Penton Hook Island is an island in the River Thames

River Thames

The River Thames flows through southern England. It is the longest river entirely in England and the second longest in the United Kingdom. While it is best known because its lower reaches flow through central London, the river flows alongside several other towns and cities, including Oxford,...

 in England adjacent to Penton Hook Lock

Penton Hook Lock

Penton Hook Lock is a lock on the River Thames in England situated on the northern "Middlesex" bank near Laleham, Surrey.The lock cuts across a large loop or hook in the river, creating Penton Hook Island There is a large marina in the disused gravel pits connected to this loop...

, near Laleham

Laleham

Laleham is a village in the borough of Spelthorne, in the county of Surrey in South East England and adjoins Staines. It is within the historic boundaries of Middlesex. To its south is Laleham Park by the River Thames, across green belt farmland to its north and south east are Ashford and...

, Surrey

Surrey

Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...

. At this point the natural course of the river makes a large loop or "hook" round the island, although this is now closed off by the weir. The island is easily reached by crossing from the lock.

The island was created artificially when Penton Hook Lock was built, although before the lock was built, Thames waters would often flood across the neck of the "hook". The island is uninhabited, wooded and secluded and developed for conservation purposes. There is a backwater dug out to provide a fish refuge when the stream is strong and a fish spawning stream constructed in 1999. The Island has many paths and is therefore interesting for wildlife. It particularly caters for angling permits can be obtained from the environmental agency.

See also

• Islands in the River Thames
  Islands in the River Thames
  This article lists the islands in the River Thames, in England. It excludes many of the smaller lock islands that were created when weirs and locks were built, and also some very small islands that immediately adjoin the larger ones. The Isle of Dogs and Isle of Grain are no longer islands although...