Welsh Harp (Brent) Reservoir
Location
Cool Oak Lane, West Hendon NW9
Bus
Routes
32, 83, 142, 183, 632 and 683 pass through The Hyde which is a few minute walk away.
British Rail
Thameslink train to Hendon Station
Description
The Welsh Harp and its surroundings is approximately 170 hectares, comprising of water, marshes, grassland and trees.
The site is jointly managed by Barnet Council, Brent Council and British Waterways.
In the 1960s the area became a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as one of the most important bird breeding areas in Southern England.
The reservoir provides a valuable habitat for wildlife and an important recreational resource.
The Welsh Harp Sailing Association provides sailing instruction and racing and hosts various events.
Sails on the Welsh Harp by Michael Summers, winner of the Barnet in Focus Competition
Activites
Whilst the majority of the site is wild in character, there are areas maintained as playing fields with a number of pitches:
Woodfield Park
- Football, Cricket
- Football, Cricket, Tennis, basketball shooting hoop
For sports lettings or events call the lettings office on:
- Tel: 020 8359 7829
- Email: parks@barnet.gov.uk
The Welsh Harp should be protected by following these simple rules:
- Take your litter home
- No fires or barbeques
- No fishing
- No swimming
For further information call the Greenspaces Team on:
- Tel: 020 8359 7820
- Email: parks@barnet.gov.uk
History
The reservoir was constructed by building a dam across the River Brent in the area between Old Kingsbury Church and the Edgware Road between 1833 and 1835. The Reservoir no longer functions as a water supply to the canal although it is still used as a flood buffer. Kingsbury Reservoir, as it was then known, became a focal point for Victorian naturalists as it was the only large expanse of open water close to London.
Historically the grounds offered a variety of activities, including a fairground, shooting, greyhound and horse racing, fishing, ice-skating, cricket pitches and boxing. In 1948 the Olympics' rowing competition was held on the Reservoir.
Following the construction of the North Circular Road in the 1920's, the recreational attractions declined but the site still provides a peaceful countryside sanctuary for residents and tourists alike.
During the Second World War, a Nazi bomb landed on the bank leaving a crater, which filled with water creating a small pond, a current decorative feature located near the Sailing Base car park. The line of trees behind it borders Brent from Barnet.
Email this pageLast modified by: Laura Mawby on 13/11/2009