Warning over island closed due to ash dieback

People have been warned not to access a Surrey riverside island which has been closed since July 2025.

Penton Hook Island in Staines has been shut since Environment Agency officials found trees infected with ash dieback, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

As a result of the scale and complexity of the work required the island cannot safely reopen yet, officials added.

An EA spokesperson said: "We would like to remind everyone that access to the island is currently prohibited due to the significant safety concerns resulting from diseased trees. Please do not attempt to access the island."

Ash dieback weakens trees internally, meaning they can collapse or drop branches without warning and this would create a serious risk to both workers and the public, the agency said.

The agency spokesperson added: "Keeping the public safe is one of our priorities and we apologise for any inconvenience this closure may be causing."

The EA explained instead of using standard chainsaws, specialist mechanical equipment would be needed to remove the affected trees.

The machinery would have to be transported to the island by river, adding further logistical challenges.

The agency said additional work would be required to strengthen parts of the island bank before equipment could be brought in.

They said the bird nesting season, which runs from March to September, limited when some work could take place, further complicating the project.

Officials said plans were being explored to restore the island once the dangerous trees have been cleared, adding they hoped to replace the diseased trees with new species better suited to the island's ecology.

The agency said residents could discuss the plans at a public engagement event on Friday at Staines Library between 14:00 and 17:00 GMT.

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