Holt Island Nature Reserve
Holt Island Nature Reserve, Church Street, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 6DG
Two areas of the Island have been replanted with osier (willow) to reintroduce the traditional craft of cultivating and working with willow.
Holt Island was formerly used to grow willow for Harrison's local basket making workshop, a firm that employed many local people.
In our interpretation centre there is a historic visual display and a collection of heritage original Harrison baskets and tools.
Throughout the day there will be live information about BeeKeeping and volunteers on hand to answer your questions.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- 10.00-16.00
Location & directions
Holt Island Nature Reserve, Church Street, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 6DG
- Directions:
- Walking out of St Ives towards the Parish Church, clearly visible by the spire, the River Great Ouse is on your left. Walk through the gate which goes along the back of All Saints Church and you will see a white wooden bridge crossing the river. Follow the path behind the church to the west gate. Cross the bridge and follow the path which will take you to the Hut, where all the action is. The Island is located besides All Saints Parish Church, approximately 1km from the bus station. The nearest public car park is Globe Place Car Park on West Street, PE27 5PP.
- Contact on day:
- Jill Burt
- Telephone number:
- +447796326931
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The Island has a circular boardwalk which is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, but can be bumpy. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome. There is very limited parking near the Island and it is not dedicated to Blue Badge holders. The public car park is a short walk away. This is an open air event.
Additional information
The circular boardwalk has seating and picnic tables with lovely views across the River Great Ouse towards the historic medieval bridge and chapel and Hemingford Meadow. The area is owned and managed by Huntingdon District Council, with support from Friends of Holt Island Nature Reserve.
