The first thing that springs to mind when you think of the refined grandeur of Hampton Court Palace is certainly not eco-activists – but one such group is forcing us to think again – they have been resident on Raven’s Ait, a tiny island just downriver from the world-famous royal palace at Hampton Court for the last two months – and are planning to transform the island into an eco-conference centre…
The sliver of land in the royal borough of Kingston-upon-Thames has been home to a gaggle of eco-activists since February 22nd this year.
The group’s 28-year-old ringleader, who calls himself Nick Revolving, spotted the vacant island when he was out on his sister’s boat on the River Thames.
The ait- which means small river island- is 300 by 50 metres and had been used by a wedding and conference company for events, but the firm went under last November.
It stood empty until the eco crew set up home earlier this year and so far they have resisted all efforts to move them on.
The gang plan to transform the island into an ‘eco conference centre aimed at showcasing green ideas and promote sustainable development.’ Students and lecturers from Kingston University are helping to design a computer generated plan for a Sustainable Community island.
The group said, “Due to the need for urgent environmental action, we have set up an eco conference centre on an island in the Thames.
“In these times of rising tides, changing weather and melting ice shelves, we need all groups to cooperate and take action for a sustainable 21st Century.”
They have built a treehouse on the island and have been running weekend workshops on healing and massage. They have also been offering to row people over to the island should they be interested to take a look around – every day between midday and 7pm.
They have even gone so far as to submit formal plans for their sustainable island to the local Kingston upon Thames council, which holds the freehold of Raven’s Ait. They claim that a hotel chain wants to take over the island and they are trying to save it from that commercial fate.
Over Easter, there were numerous events held on the island – from picnics on the lawn to yoga and an Easter egg hunt. There was also a sacred songs of the world singing circle. Upcoming events include an Earth Circus Cabaret Theatre and Circus Event on Sat 9th May and a Breton Dance Masquerade Ball on Sat 16th May.
However, the Council has said that an eviction order has been issued to the activists and they have said that they will leave in eight weeks time, meaning an end to green living on the ait.
If you are behind the activists’ plans to turn the island into a community eco centre, email them on [email protected].
Alternatively, if you are against the idea, you can read about Kingston Borough Council’s efforts to remove the activists and contact them on 020 8547 5757.
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