Fobney Island Wetland Reserve

Fobney Island Wetland Reserve lies on Fobney Island, a stretch of land between the Kennet’s natural channel and the navigation cut to Fobney Lock in Reading. The island sits just south of Coley Park, with Fobney Weir at its western tip and the pumping station beside the lock. A short road crosses the island and a towpath runs along its northern edge. The reserve was created between 2011 and 2013 by reshaping the land and waterways. The project lowered ground levels to allow regular flooding and added wetland, a hay meadow and reed beds. New gravel riffles were introduced into the river to improve habitats. A 2014–15 survey found nearly 200 plant species on the island. Over 100 bird species have been recorded, along with fifteen kinds of dragonflies and damselflies and five bat species. Reading Borough Council keeps the site in order with help from local volunteers. Visitors walk the towpath or Island Road to reach the reserve. The paths give views across the flooded meadows and reed beds where water voles and otters appear. The pumping station’s brick buildings stand beside the lock, reminders of the site’s industrial past. The Kennet’s riffles and calm backwaters provide varied watery scenery within a few minutes of Reading town centre.