The committee received updates on various projects related to the Welsh Harp. These updates included information on the newly implemented litter management regime, the progress of the West Hendon Playing Fields Masterplan, and the management of invasive species in the reservoir.

Welsh Harp Management Plan

Barnet Council committed to two contractor-led litter picks at The Welsh Harp in September 2024 and January 2025. The committee also discussed the ongoing public consultation for the new Parks and Open Spaces Strategy and the Local Nature Recovery Plan.

The committee discussed the footbridge over the North Marsh, a subject of much local discussion. In response to Leo Batten, President of the Welsh Harp Conservation Group, Matthew Gunyon, Head of Greenspaces at Barnet Council, said:

By way of an update, Barnet council have not yet been able to arrange a briefing with Barratts on the proposals for the Welsh Harp Bridge, which are still in development. The commitment to meet with the community environmental groups before a decision on the proposals is made, stands. This meeting should take place later this year once there is more clarity on the detailed proposals for the Bridge.

London Borough of Brent - Welsh Harp Management Plan

The committee was informed that the Welsh Harp Centre would serve as a horticulture center, despite some constraints. The committee discussed the treatment of invasive species, and agreed that reported areas were being addressed.

Canal and River Trust Update

The committee received a verbal update from Eashani Haria from the Canal and River Trust.

The desilting of the reservoir was discussed. Ms Haria acknowledged that the project was not completed on time but attributed the delay to external factors. She also noted:

...early communication and engaging with the community at an earlier stage would have been better.

Any Other Business

Lewis Elmes from the Environment Agency provided an update on misconnections, primarily found upstream. The Environment Agency was actively collaborating with Thames Water to address this issue. Additionally, Mr Elmes mentioned the recurring pH problem, with a comprehensive update expected at a later meeting.