The Welsh Harp (Brent Reservoir) from the dam
From the Canal and River Trust
Towards the end of October, we are planning to carry out a five-month programme of essential maintenance work at Brent Reservoir Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), also known as the Welsh Harp.
What will this include?
The reservoir works, which are supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery, will include repairs to the chains and rods that operate the reservoir's sluices; and repainting the Valve House Tower from where the sluice gates which control the water levels in the reservoir are operated.
To complete the statutory works, which are required under the Reservoir Act 1975 and were identified during an inspection in 2021, the reservoir will need to be fully drained.
A fish rescue will be carried out whilst the reservoir is being drained. As well as employing our own dredging contractor to clear debris from the reservoir, we are planning to work with volunteers and our partners to clear the rubbish that is expected to be revealed when water levels are reduced.
A significant urban wild space
Ros Daniels, our director for London & South East, explains: “The Welsh Harp, with Brent Reservoir at its heart, is one of London's most significant urban wild spaces. We are planning to carry out these essential statutory repairs to the reservoir's structures over the winter months so as not to impact nesting birds, including great crested grebes.
KEEP YOUR CHILDREN OFF THE MUDDY DRAINED AREA
“The Reservoir will remain open to the public throughout the works, but signs will be up warning people not to walk onto the Reservoir's drained area and mud.
“Sadly we are expecting to see a lot of rubbish again when the Reservoir is fully drained, just as we did back in January 2021, when we partially drained the reservoir to inspect the dam and Valve House.
“We’d like to work with volunteers and our partners to take the opportunity to clear as much of the rubbish that will be revealed as possible, and we are planning to launch a Crowd Funding campaign to help support that work”
A joint vision
Also known as The Welsh Harp, Brent Reservoir was built in 1835 to supply water to the Grand Union Canal. Today, surrounded by buildings and fast roads, it provides valuable green open space for people and wildlife.
Made up of representatives from us, the Greater London Authority, London boroughs of Brent and Barnet, London Wildlife Trust, Thames21, the Welsh Harp Strategy Group was formed in 2019 to work together to create a Joint Vision for the future of the site as a place for wildlife and people. The group is planning to publish its Joint Vision for the site on 28 July.
Timeline
Monday 25 September
We started two-week programme of reed marsh habitat improvements at the East Marsh, using our specialist contractor Land & Water Services.
Monday 2 October
Our Crowd Funding campaign is live, and we're asking for your support for rubbish removal once the reservoir is drained.
Monday 30 October
We plan to start draining the reservoir ahead of statutory maintenance works, including repairs to the chains and rods that operate the reservoir’s sluices and repainting the Valve House tower.
Wednesday 1-3 November
Our contractor Rothens will begin a three-day programme of debris removal from the reservoir.
Friday 10 and Wednesday 22 November
We are planning some volunteer clean-up events. People will be able to sign-up to take part via our Eventbrite links.
Around mid-November
We will carry out a fish rescue.
