Agenda item

To update Committee members regarding the Welsh Harp Vision document and Winter works at Brent Reservoir

Sian Palmer Ferry (Canal & River Trust) presented the update, which focussed on the Welsh Harp Joint Vision (the Vision) and the planned Winter works at Brent Reservoir. To begin, a one-page summary of the Vision was shared with members, which detailed its four key themes: environment, wellbeing, place and inclusion. Sian Palmer-Ferry explained that answers to frequently asked questions were being drafted to accompany the Vision, and welcomed emails from members if there were any further questions after the meeting.

The Committee were then informed about the planned Winter works which would ensure that essential maintenance of Brent Reservoir was completed. Included in the works was the draining of the Reservoir funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery, which was said to take approximately four weeks, with members noting that refilling was anticipated to commence before the bird nesting season in March. The Committee heard that the next steps for the Canal & River Trust were to publish answers to frequently asked questions and start a crowdfunding campaign for £15,000 in order to fund the fish rescue and clean up, which was expected to start at the end of Summer.

Before finishing the update, Sian Palmer-Ferry explained that vacancies within the team at the Canal & River Trust had now been filled, with new additions in the roles of Community Roots Manager, Volunteer Leader and Area Operations Manager. It was hoped that these additions would increase both engagement with the community and the number of volunteering opportunities available.

Following the conclusion of their update, the Chair thanked Sian Palmer-Ferry for presenting the item and opened up the discussion to Committee members, with questions and responses summarised below:

·       In response to a query on the impact that an unsuccessful crowdfunding attempt would have, members were advised that the fish rescue and clean-up had to occur. Thus, the Canal & River Trust would have to self-fund the operation which would impact other projects as the activities were not budgeted in the organisation’s core delivery.

·       In reiterating the importance that the public were aware of the maintenance works due to safety risks, officers from both Brent and Barnet councils offered support in publishing and distributing relevant information. Sian Palmer-Ferry welcomed support with the winter works and outlined that signage of the works would be widespread throughout water access points and engagement with schools, colleges and community groups was planned to ensure extensive knowledge of the planned works.

·       Regarding crayfish in the Welsh Harp, members were advised that environmental scientists from the Canal & River would be informed of the concerns, who could explore the possibility of sampling crayfish in the Welsh Harp area.

·       Sian Palmer-Ferry noted the worries raised regarding terrapins in the north side of the Welsh Harp.

·       In response to concerns about community groups being named in Canal & River Trust press releases without sufficient communication with the relevant organisations, members were given an apology as Sian Palmer-Ferry believed that community organisations had been contacted regarding volunteering. It was explained that the new Volunteer Lead at the Canal & River Trust would foster closer relationships with community groups going forward.

Having thanked Sian Palmer-Ferry for the update, and with no further queries, the Committee AGREED to note the update.