Agenda item

This report presents progress on the Brent Reservoir / Welsh Harp Management Plan since the last meeting of the Committee and during the 2025/26 year to date. The Management Plan is jointly managed by the three main, land-holding organisations: Brent Council, the London Borough of Barnet, and the Canal & River Trust.

Leslie Williams (LB Brent Project Officer) was invited to introduce a report from the London Borough of Brent on the Welsh Harp Management Plan. An update was provided on marshland conservation works located on the southern edge of the Welsh Harp reservoir, adjacent to Neasden Recreation Ground. It was confirmed that the works were scheduled to continue in early autumn, with project partners including the Canal & River Trust, the Welsh Harp Sailing Club, and The Conservation Volunteers.

Issues were addressed relating to site maintenance and fly-tipping. It was reported that the London Borough of Brent had experienced significant challenges with littering and fly-tipping, including incidents in the vicinity of Priestley Way. A clean-up operation had been arranged, and although signage had been installed at the site, the issue remained persistent both at Priestley Way and at other park entrances.

In relation to the new Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre, members heard that the concept design had progressed to Stage 2 and was currently under discussion with stakeholders. It was noted that further updates would follow as the design process continued. Reference was also made to the Pulley Wheel Project, and it was confirmed that the sculpture, designed by Phil Neil and commissioned by the Canal & River Trust, had been unveiled on 16 May 2025 at the Welsh Harp Sailing Association base. The sculpture was expected to be relocated to its permanent site at Neasden Recreation Ground in the autumn.

The Chair thanked Leslie Williams for introducing the report and then moved on to invite questions and comments from the Committee in relation to the London Borough of Brent - Welsh Harp Management Plan:

• Members were keen to seek details around the extent of collaboration between the London Borough of Brent and Barnet in addressing fly-tipping at Priestley Way. In response, Leslie Williams (LB Brent Project Officer) reported that both boroughs were working together as far as practicable, although each operated under distinct systems, including differing relationships with contractors and service organisations. It was noted that while clearance operations could be coordinated, preventing fly-tipping remained a more complex challenge.

• Following up, concerns were raised regarding the effectiveness of operating separate systems and whether a more unified approach might be beneficial. In response, Leslie Williams (LB Brent Project Officer) reiterated that each council had its own contractual and enforcement frameworks, and that it was most practical to work within those existing systems. Brent’s efforts in pursuing enforcement actions were acknowledged with several borough-wide successes noted. In continuing the response, Matthew Gunyon (LB Barnet Head of Greenspaces & Trees) informed the JCC that both boroughs faced similar structural and resource constraints. It was explained that Barnet’s operational model was designed to function borough-wide, rather than being site-specific, and that any divergence from this approach would require a reallocation of resources. It was noted that the same applied to Brent, and that merging resources for a single site would not be straightforward, given the broader responsibilities of the teams involved. A Welsh Harp JCC member suggested that, given the long-standing nature of the issue and associated costs, the boroughs might consider establishing a joint annual fund to address fly-tipping at Priestley Way. In response, the Chair explained that both councils operated under fixed contracts, which could not be amended to accommodate site-specific resource allocations. However, the Chair welcomed proposals from volunteers and organisations to apply for available grants to support relevant projects. Officers from both boroughs would be available to assist with such applications. It was confirmed that Brent and Barnet already maintained close working relationships, with regular meetings and discussions between teams. Members were invited to submit suggestions via email, which could be reviewed by the Chair and officers, and site visits could be arranged where appropriate.

• Welsh Harp JCC members requested an update on three matters - namely, pollution from outfalls from the industrial estate entering the Welsh Harp; reports of individuals removing fencing along the industrial estate and fly-tipping into the SSSI; and the creation of a footpath near the Priestley Way trash screen. In response, Leslie Williams (LB Brent Project Officer) informed the Committee that pollution from the industrial estate was being investigated by Thames Water, the Environment Agency, and several voluntary groups. Due to potential legal implications, full details were not available, but investigations were ongoing. It was further noted that during his last site visit, pollution was still present, although low water flow made it difficult to determine whether new contaminants were entering the area. Monitoring efforts were expected to continue. Regarding the fencing, it was confirmed that Brent Council had contacted the Canal & River Trust, which owned the adjacent land. Although the site fell within the London Borough of Brent, the Council did not own the land. The Canal & River Trust had been notified and were leading on the matter. It was acknowledged that fly-tipping had occurred historically on the industrial estate and that some waste may have been displaced during recent works, with some material appearing within the SSSI. In relation to the footpath, Leslie Williams (LB Brent Project Officer) expressed that he was not aware of the specific location referenced and invited the submission of further details or a sketch map and undertook to investigate the matter.

• Welsh Harp JCC members observed that the Welsh Harp was the London Borough of Barnet’s sole SSSI and expressed concern regarding the influence of administrative and contractual systems on the maintenance and protection of such a valuable ecological site. It was suggested that alternative approaches should be considered where these mechanisms were not achieving the required impact, such as the ongoing concerns relating to fly-tipping at Priestley Way with the suggestion made, as an example, of the benefots that the formation of a Trust between Brent and Barnet Councils alongside other landowners may deliver in seeking to collaboratively manage and protect the site.

• Further information regarding the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre project was sought by members. In response, Leslie Williams (Project Officer, LB Brent) advised that the new Centre was designed primarily for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) usage for young people aged post-16, with usage focused on daytime curriculum activities. It was further noted that provision would be made for others to use the facility outside of curriculum hours, thereby maximising the educational and social value of the facility. It was confirmed that the same facilities would be available for both daytime and community use. It was also stated that the architectural design would accommodate both functions, although finer details remained under development.

• Queries were raised regarding the frequency of cleaning for the two trash screens located at Priestley Way and behind Halfords. In response, Leslie Williams (Project Officer, LB Brent) reported that the trash screen at Priestley Way was cleaned fortnightly by the Environment Agency. Matthew Gunyon (Head of Greenspaces & Trees, LB Barnet) additionally clarified that both trash screens were situated within the Barnet boundary. It was explained that the trash screen on the Silk Stream side was automated, with waste collected into a skip, which was then emptied approximately every two weeks.

• The opportunity was also taken for Welsh Harp JCC members to express appreciation to Leslie Williams for his prompt response to the fly-tipping incident at Birch Grove. Gratitude was extended for his efforts in addressing the matter swiftly and effectively.

• Concerns were raised regarding the impact of road runoff, particularly from major routes surrounding the Welsh Harp such as the M1 on the River Brent and the wider SSSI. Details were therefore sought regarding the plans in place to mitigate and manage this issue. In response, Harriet Duffield (Biodiversity and Conservation Officer, LB Barnet) confirmed that the borough was actively exploring the implementation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) in collaboration with the Highways Team. Funding bids were being prepared to support these initiatives. Dianne Murphy (London Wildlife Trust) additionally reported that preliminary results had been obtained from a collaborative project involving local river-based volunteer groups and Imperial College London. These groups had been collecting environmental samples to monitor the levels and impact of road runoff. Although detailed site-specific data were not yet available, it was acknowledged that the Welsh Harp received significant volumes of runoff, resulting in salt and pollutant accumulation behind the reservoir dam. The project was ongoing and currently focused on data collection. Daniella Levene (Friends of Welsh Harp) further noted that the sampling efforts were targeting specific chemical markers and locations, and that further work was required. It was confirmed that the project would continue into the following year.

• Following on from the issue raised earlier as part of the update, concerns were highlighted relating to the withdrawal of Thames21 from funding the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre as a result of financial losses, with queries raised about the support Brent Council had sought to provide to sustain the centre’s operations, given its longstanding role in providing nature-based education to children, particularly those living in high-rise developments with limited access to green space. Concern was also expressed regarding the proposed exclusive use of the site for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, and the potential loss of access for the wider school community.

As a further issue highlighted, questions were raised regarding the future of the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre, with specific reference to whether there were any plans to ensure that young people more broadly would continue to have opportunities to engage with nature and environmental learning. In response, Leslie Williams (Project Officer, LB Brent) confirmed that the centre was primarily intended to serve as a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) facility during curriculum hours and would be fully utilised for that purpose. However, it was noted that current plans were exploring how the same building and its rooms could be made available for alternative uses outside of core curriculum time. This could include bookings by local organisations for nature study or community-based educational activities. It was emphasised that the facility would remain an educational building, and as such, its use would be limited to activities with an educational or informational component. It was further noted that the existing Portakabin structure was in a poor state of repair, and that the proposed replacement building would represent a significant asset to the Welsh Harp area. The Chair acknowledged the collaborative efforts between the Property Team, the Climate Emergency Team, and the Parks Team, who had been working closely with partners on the development of the site.

Whilst noting the response, further concerns were expressed regarding what it was felt appeared to be the proposed exclusive use of the new Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre for SEND provision. It was noted that for over fifty years, the centre had provided valuable opportunities for children from across the borough to engage with nature. Members voiced concern that although the use of the centre would rightly support individuals with essential needs, such opportunities might now inadvertently limit opportunities for the wider school population, particularly those from high-density housing estates with limited access to green space. The Chair acknowledged the concerns expressed and advised that, regrettably, neither Thames21 nor the Council were in a position to provide further funding beyond that which had already been committed. Members of the Welsh Harp JCC were encouraged to contact the Council via email should they wish to receive a comprehensive update on the forthcoming plans. The Chair reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to facilitating continued access to nature and environmental education for young people across Brent.

• Reference was made to silt testing conducted by the Canal & River Trust (CRT) in the East and North Marsh areas, which again had identified damage caused by hydrocarbons and road runoff, particularly from the M1. Queries were raised regarding the establishment of a restoration fund linked to this damage. In response, Ben Macmillan (Canal & River Trust) confirmed that silt testing in the East Marsh had returned results indicating high levels of hazardous material. Expressions of interest for restoration funding had been submitted to National Highways, with direct links established between motorway outfalls and pollution entering the reservoir by way of Dollis Brook and Silk Stream. Discussions regarding further project funding were ongoing, and evidence had been gathered to support the connection between runoff and the SSSI.

Following on, queries were raised regarding the use of hydrodynamic vortex chambers, which had been successfully deployed on the River Wandle to remove silt and pollutants from road runoff. Welsh Harp JCC members questioned whether such technology was being considered for use within the Welsh Harp catchment. In response, Ben Macmillan (Canal & River Trust) stated that remediation responsibilities lay with National Highways, and that the Canal & River Trust would not be directly involved in implementation. However, National Highways had acknowledged their potential contribution to pollution and were open to remediation of problematic outfalls. It was hoped that such measures would be pursued. Suggestions were made that hydrodynamic vortex chambers be proposed to National Highways as a preventative measure, particularly if a significant restoration fund were to be established.

• Details were sought regarding the extent to which developers involved in the West Hendon regeneration had been engaged in relation to social value funding, particularly the potential to utilise their 1% social value commitments to support initiatives at the Welsh Harp. In response, Matthew Gunyon (Head of Greenspaces & Trees, LB Barnet) advised that while the Welsh Harp had not been specifically targeted in this regard, the borough did operate a social value policy across all procurement activities. It was explained that social value commitments varied between contracts and were often tailored to specific projects or locations. The Council was currently reviewing its Themes, Outcomes and Measures (TOMs) framework to allow greater flexibility in how social value contributions could be applied. Examples were cited relating to playground suppliers who had committed to delivering educational sessions on design and equipment, though these were not necessarily conservation focused. It was noted that some private contractors had shown interest in supporting conservation-related activities, and that this area was under active review.

In seeking to bring consideration of the item to a close, the Chair thanked officers and Welsh Harp JCC members for their contributions towards consideration of the London Borough of Brent - Welsh Harp Management Plan. As a result of the outcome of the discussion, it was AGREED to note the update provided with the following information request identified:

INFORMATION REQUESTS

(1)  That a progress update regarding the plans for the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre be provided to Welsh Harp JCC councillors in due course.