Close Menu
The London News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Vimeo
    The London News
    Subscribe Login
    • Tech
    • Fitness & Health
    • Business
    • Finance
    • Food & Drink
    • Lifestyle
    The London News
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Advertise With Us
    Home»Lifestyle»Welsh Harp Brent Reservoir re-fill to begin by mid-April
    Lifestyle

    Welsh Harp Brent Reservoir re-fill to begin by mid-April

    EditorBy Editor29 March 2024Updated:29 March 2024No Comments3 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp VKontakte Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    National waterways charity Canal & River Trust is aiming to complete its works at the Welsh Harp Brent Reservoir by the middle of April, and then allow it to re-fill with water.

    The Welsh Harp Brent Reservoir was built in 1835 to supply water to the Grand Union Canal.  As well as being a place for sailing, watersports and walking, the reservoir is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for the rich diversity of wildlife found on site, including water birds and 16 protected plant species.

    The reservoir works underway are required under the Reservoir Act 1975 and are supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.  The works include: replacing the chains that operate the reservoir’s sluice gates and control the water levels in the reservoir; and repainting the Valve House Tower from where the gates are operated. To undertake these works, the Canal & River Trust first had to drain the reservoir and rescue the fish.

    Ros Daniels, the Canal & River Trust’s London & South East director, explains: “The Welsh Harp Brent Reservoir is one of London’s most significant urban wild spaces and provides a much valued area of green open space for people and wildlife. 

    “To carry out our essential maintenance works at the reservoir, we’ve had to drain around 1,000 mega litres of water, enough to fill 400 Olympic-sized swimming pools. We’ve rescued around 100,000 fish and our volunteers and contractors have removed over 1,000 bags rubbish, as well as dustbins, tyres, e-bikes, scooters, safes, clothing and suitcases. 

    “Over the winter months, we’ve also been carrying out a series of environmental improvements at the Welsh Harp, including creating new nesting areas in the reed beds for wetland birds, willow coppicing and removing silt from one of the ponds. Once the reservoir has refilled with water, with the support of the Welsh Harp Conservation Group, we plan to install 13 new island habitats for common terns, one of the species of water bird that lives on the reservoir.”

    “Unfortunately the succession of winter storms and high rainfall levels we’ve experience over the winter have caused us significant delay. We’ve worked closely with Natural England to develop a plan to minimise the impact of this delay on the nesting birds that rely on the reservoir.  We’ve installed visual bird scarers, including holographic tape and decoy birds of prey, to discourage birds from nesting until the reservoir has refilled.  We expect this to happen by the end of May, but it depends on how much rain we get.”

    The reservoir remains open to the public throughout the works, but signs are in place warning visitors not to walk on the reservoir’s drained area and mud for their own safety.

    To donate to the Trust’s Welsh Harp (Brent) Reservoir clean-up crowd funding campaign, go to website here.

    Featured Photo by Sian Bentley-Magee on Unsplash.

    • Editor
      Editor
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp Email
    Previous ArticleOn Your Bike: New Cycle Hub Opens at Southside Shopping Centre
    Next Article Sleep expert reveals how to cope with the clocks going forward
    Editor
    • Website

    Related Posts

    People Show to Perform its 150th show ‘SHOP’ at Southside Shopping Centre

    20 June 2025

    4 ways a sunburned scalp can trigger other health issues

    20 June 2025

    Yield Gallery London Unveils ‘She Who Dares’: A Bold Celebration of Female Artistic Power and Purpose

    20 June 2025

    Londoners to cycle the length of Britain on a tandem bike, to save the British pub

    19 June 2025
    Our Picks

    People Show to Perform its 150th show ‘SHOP’ at Southside Shopping Centre

    20 June 2025

    4 ways a sunburned scalp can trigger other health issues

    20 June 2025

    Yield Gallery London Unveils ‘She Who Dares’: A Bold Celebration of Female Artistic Power and Purpose

    20 June 2025

    A Moroccan Soul in the Heart of London: Raphia’s Tribute to Heritage, Craft and Connection

    20 June 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    About Us
    About Us

    We're accepting new partnerships right now.

    Email Us: [email protected]

    Our Picks

    5 simple home ‘tweakments’ to drastically improve your sleep

    3 June 2025

    A First in Haircare: The Growth Oil Blonde Hair Has Been Waiting For

    29 May 2025

    Cathay Pacific helps travellers “Race Across the World”

    28 May 2025
    Subscribe to Updates

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from The London News

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Advertise With Us
    © 2025 by The London News.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Sign In or Register

    Welcome Back!

    Login below or Register Now.

    Lost password?

    Register Now!

    Already registered? Login.

    A password will be e-mailed to you.