Garrick's Ait

Garrick's Ait (or Garrick's Eyot on Ordnance Survey maps), previously known as Shank's Eyot, is an ait in the River Thames in England on the reach above Molesey Lock, the nearest land being Moulsey Hurst (park) [n 1] on the Surrey bank and the opposite bank being a much narrower riverside park of Hampton.

On the island are 20 houses, it being historically divided into 26 plots, but two of these, including the eastern tip, have always been trees and mooring space, respectively.

In common with most Thames islands near developed places, it became used for growing and harvesting willow/weeping willow trees when they arrived in the country in the 18th century.

Wood from pollarding could be used for cricket bats, paddles, ladders, gun stocks, crates and poles for fences.

Harvested branches, called osiers, are strong, flexible and resistant to rot – they were used for fish traps, basket making and for reinforcing riverbanks.