Skip to content

Derelict campsite plans 'reckless', campers say

Danny Prior A traditional campsite with wooden huts is seen through a metal fence, which has signs saying "Danger" and "Keep Out". Some of the grass is overgrown, and a small boat can be seen covered in a canvasDanny Prior
Shiplake Lock Camping Island was closed by the Environment Agency in 2022

Plans to replace a much-loved campsite with a commercial plot have been described as "reckless" by campers.

Oxfordshire's Shiplake Lock Camping Island, owned by the City of London and leased by the Environment Agency (EA), was closed in 2022 due to health and safety concerns.

But residents who had used the site, on an island in the River Thames at Henley, have criticised the plans, and a petition against its closure received more than 2,000 signatures.

The EA said the site had only been enjoyed by a "limited" number of people and wanted to encourage a more "inclusive approach" to allow everyone to stay.

Danny Prior A large canvas tent structure is pictured in a pleasant field, with a green roof and clothes hanging from the side. A hut can be seen on one side and a bush on the other. Danny Prior
Residents were previously given licences to stay on the campsite

People could previously purchase licences from the government body to become seasonal plot-holders at the site.

The Environment Agency is now planning to let the site out to a third party and will put its management out to tender early next year.

It said previous licence-holders would be able to apply.

Danny Prior Campaigner Danny Prior is pictured in selfie, with his head and shoulders visible. Danny is around 40-60 years old, with short grey hair and a beard, wearing a blue jumperDanny Prior
Danny Prior has been staying at the campsite for 30 years

Campaigners said the plans jeopardised the island's history and raised questions about safety for new visitors, and parking access.

Danny Prior, whose family has been camping on the island since the 1950s, described the site as "unique".

"There are camping structures that have been there for 50 or 60 years," he continued.

"We're horrified that it would be considered suitable for commercial development."

Gavin Dunbar, a resident of 38 years, said he was "very disappointed" by the EA's treatment "of a camping community who have been excellent neighbours for many years".

Commenting on the petition set up last year, others described the site as an "incredible asset" and an "important part of our local history".

The Environment Agency said: "The terms of our lease with the City of London Corporation states that we must ensure the island is used as a place of public resort.

“We are committed to the heritage and history of Shiplake Island and will continue to work closely with former licence-holders about the site’s future."

You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.