Raven's Ait island in Surbiton Teri Pengilley

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ENVIRONMENTALISTS have taken an island on the River Thames which is credited with being the inspiration for the hit 70s sitcom The Good Life.

At least 12 eco-warriors are squatting in Raven's Ait - a tiny island on the Thames in Surbiton, west London.

They claim it is common land and intended for public use, but Kingston Council disagrees and has served them with an eviction order.

While the legal battle rages on, the group have established a self-sufficient, eco-friendly way of life since making the island, which boasts conference rooms, two bars, a four-bedroom house and two flats, their home two months ago.

They have installed wind turbines, created a vegetable patch, a solar-powered recording studio and a programme of workshops on subjects ranging from new age health remedies to the construction of floating eco island homes.

The group moved in after a wedding company which was based on the 300-metre long island went bust and have welcomed scores of visitors keen to learn more about the green way of life.

One, known as Nick Revolving, said: "I was staying with my sister on a houseboat nearby and realised the place was empty and being left in a mess.

"It was a fantastic opportunity to show what could be done with a low-impact lifestyle on an island that has been common land for centuries.

"At a time when the impacts of climate change are making action an absolute priority we can come in here and harness nature. We already have wind turbines. I'm pleased by our surroundings. This area is built on a way of life that has been seriously questioned by the current economic crisis. We can show a way forward."

He also dismissed allegations that squatters are lazy, saying: "I work hard trying to encourage those [green and community] ideas - I just may not have money or goods to show that I have been working hard."

While some locals are not keen on their new neighbours, others have welcomed them with open arms.

Property lawyer James Richards, 43, said: "It's a brilliant idea to return this place to some sort of community ownership. It could be an example to us all."

Once the squatters leave, Kingston Council will establish a charitable trust to run the island as an environmental education centre.

Some of the squatters belong to the Circle Community which has taken over a number of luxury properties, including a £6m mansion in Mayfair.

Earlier this month, thelondonpaper revealed how nine squatters have taken over a £5m mansion in Highgate, north London, just a few yards from Hampstead Heath.