The Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee met virtually on Thursday 14 March 2024 to discuss ongoing projects and management plans for the Welsh Harp and Brent Reservoir. Key discussions included updates on the Brent Reservoir de-watering project, Barnet Council's management activities, and Brent Council's progress on the Welsh Harp Management Plan.

Brent Reservoir Project Update

Ben Carroll, Project Manager for the Canal & River Trust, provided an update on the winter works at the Brent Reservoir. The project, which involves painting and repairing the valve tower, inspecting sluices, and general dam inspections, has faced significant delays due to an exceptionally stormy winter. These conditions led to greater inflow into the reservoir, hampering the de-watering process. The fish rescue, though successful in collecting double the amount of fish compared to two decades ago, presented logistical challenges for re-homing. Silt management also contributed to delays, as the turbidity trigger level was frequently met, necessitating water quality improvements before further release. Consequently, a full de-watering was not achieved, with the deepest point reaching only 1 metre.

Despite these setbacks, a revised approach has been agreed with Natural England, aiming to complete the works and begin refilling the reservoir by mid-April 2024, with an estimated completion by the end of May. Future maintenance on the tower is planned to be carried out by divers, avoiding another full drawdown for several decades due to cost and logistical complexities. Concerns were raised about potential road runoff contributing to silt, with Brent Council confirming system improvements in the area. The placement of owl decoys to prevent bird nesting during the refill was also discussed, with feedback to be passed to ecologists.

Management Plan (Barnet)

Matthew Gunyon, Head of Greenspaces for Barnet Council, presented an update on the council's activities for the Welsh Harp and West Hendon Playing Fields during the fourth quarter of 2023-2024. The council has launched a public consultation for its new Parks and Open Spaces Strategy and Local Nature Recovery Plan.

Regarding the West Hendon Playing Fields Masterplan, the first round of public engagement concluded in December 2023, with results being compiled for a future report. A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page is being developed to address community inquiries.

For the Welsh Harp and its Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a new litter management regime will be trialled in Spring and Summer 2024, supported by targeted deep cleans. Options are also being explored to address anti-social behaviour and misuse at the Public Bird Hide, with potential works planned for autumn/winter 2024. The ongoing issue of damage to the SSSI from a neighbouring property development was also discussed. Barnet Planning Enforcement has served a notice requiring the demolition of an outbuilding and removal of materials within four months, with the council continuing to monitor the situation.

A significant point of discussion was the proposed Silk Stream bridge. Members expressed concerns that modifications to the bridge would not be sufficient to protect the SSSI, highlighting alternative, cheaper routes that would also serve community connectivity. The council indicated a detailed update would be provided at the next meeting, with an ongoing options review and a push for a dedicated meeting involving the council, Barratt PLC (the developer), and residents. Concerns about fly-tipping and litter at Cool Oak Lane bridge were also raised, with Community Safety officers to be informed. The deteriorating condition of the old Cool Oak Lane bridge due to heavy goods vehicles was noted, and Highways officers will be notified, with potential for increased funding for highway maintenance and a review of the bridge's inspection programme.

Management Plan (Brent)

Leslie Williams, Project Officer for Brent Council, presented the progress on the Brent Reservoir/Welsh Harp Management Plan. Following the de-watering of Brent Reservoir, the council, Canal & River Trust (CRT), and Natural England have met to progress works on the marshland edge adjacent to Neasden Recreation Ground. These works, planned to commence in September 2024 to avoid the breeding season, will involve tree management to increase light for marshland vegetation and reduce wind shadow for water sports users.

The council has appointed a design team for the Welsh Harp Centre, with early consultations underway with proposed users and plans for broader stakeholder and community engagement. The Healthy Walks Programme continues, with walks held every Thursday.

Regarding the Welsh Harp Centre's purpose, it was reiterated that its core function will be for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) education, with arrangements for community use still to be finalised. The discovery of mussels during the reservoir de-watering led to a query about reintroducing native species, with the explanation that restocking requires permits and advice from the Environment Agency.

Investigations and Project Update – Environment Agency

Lewis Elmes from the Environment Agency provided an update on pollution investigations. The issue of high pH white sediment flowing into the Reservoir has been rectified by disconnecting and reconnecting unmapped drains, with Thames Water addressing other identified misconnections. All Thames Water network issues in this area are now resolved.

For Edgware Brook, several misconnections have been rectified, and recent dry weather has confirmed the success of these works. Thames Water continues to monitor the situation.

Progress on outfalls at Dollis Brook varies. One outfall has been rectified, with confirmation pending reinspection. Rectification of a second outfall is proving difficult due to uncooperative property owners, and the Environment Agency is pursuing a warrant process. A third case has been passed to Barnet Council for enforcement action. The Environment Agency thanked partners for their support in removing tow boarding at Dollis Brook.

The Clean Up River Brent group is nearing the end of its first year of Environment Agency funding and is working on installing automated pollution alert systems. The deadline for Environment Agency funding for 2025/26 is June 2024.

The committee also noted the provisional dates for the 2024/25 municipal year: Monday 22 July 2024, Monday 25 November 2024, and Thursday 20 March 2025.