The island was a derelict boatyard when Reading Borough Council took it over in 1998 and restored it.[1] It is a quiet, relaxing island with grassy paths and seating. It is set out as a small park containing several wooden chain-saw carvedsculptures, although all but one having rotted away. It connects to Caversham via Heron Island, which has private riverside housing and is connected by road to Lower Caversham.[3][4]
A body was found on View Island in February 2011.[5]
In 2021, the new Reading Hydro community owned hydro-electric power plant opened at the upstream end of the island. At the same time a new and more natural fish pass stream was constructed, snaking through View Island.[6]