Ray Mill Island

Ray Mill Island Improvements

Phase 1 completion: Island opened Monday 5 December 2011

The island was closed for 5 weeks to allow for works to be done:

• The bridge has been resurfaced
• The area to the rear of the stream has been re-opened with a millstone placed in the inlet
• The stream has been dredged allowing for an increased flow of water through the stream
• The area around the 'Maiden with Swans' statue has been cleared up, opening up the view to the park area behind it. This is reminiscent of the original view
• A new fountain has been installed
• New play equipment has been installed in the play area. Formal park areas now have wooden dotted animals around for imaginative play.
• Cycle racks have been installed & the car park tidied up
• Dead trees removed & 160 herbaceous plants planted.

The Companion Statue

A replacement statue for 'The Companions' will be recast by the original artist Eunice Goodman. The public are welcome to donate to the fund contact Altwood School for further information. The statue will hopefully be in place by Spring 2012.

The Millstone

Whilst clearing the stream to the rear of the island, an old millstone was uncovered. This has been incorporated into the water inlet area at the head of the stream. Ths Island's name dates from when the Ray family managed a flourmill here in the 1920s.

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Phase 2

Phase 2 will continue over the next few months, without the island being closed;

• A new seat will be installed in late December/early January facing towards the weir
• The entrance path will be recovered during March 2012 when the weather is drier and warmer
• Additional shrub planting will take place around the aviary when the mud from the dredgings has dried out. This area is currently fenced off behind the aviary
• Tidying up of plants and trees in front of the aviary
• Footpath improvements will be undertaken around the area near the weir
• A replacement 'The Companions statue will be installed

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Access to Ray Mill Island is from Ray Mead Road cross the road bridge at Boulters Lock walk past the hotel and cross the pedestrian bridge onto the island.

Size: 16,442 sq m/ 1.6 hectares. A walk around the perimeter of this park will contribute 1,000 steps to the advised 10,000 daily steps recommended to improve fitness.

The Island's name dates from when the Ray family managed a flourmill here. The site was acquired by Maidenhead Borough Council in 1950 from the Conservators of the River Thames.

At the northern end of the Island you will find Boulter's Weir, one of 50 remaining on the Thames. Managed by the Environment Agency, they maintain water levels so that boats can pass through the adjacent lock, control land drainage and ensure that water is available for public consumption.

As part of the 1979 Thames Salmon Re-habilitation Scheme, the last Salmon ladder to be built on the Thames was opened at Boulters Weir on 19 May 2000 by the Duke of Wellington. All the weirs from Teddington to Mapledurham now have Salmon ladders.

Facilities:

• Aviary and Guinea Pigs enclosure
• Picnic tables and benches
• Toilets
• Cafe - privately run - Franca & Sons contact number is 01494 438320.

Please do not feed the squirrels on the island as they are wild animals and may bite.

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Sculptures

"Vintage Boys" by Lydia Karpinska, "The Companions" by Eunice Goodman, "Maiden with Swans" by Eunice Goodman

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