Barnet Council, the Canal and River Trust (The Trust) and Kusuma Trust UK have teamed up to tackle the climate crisis, reduce flooding and protect threatened wildlife habitats in a rare urban wetland.
The Welsh Harp (Brent Reservoir) is a popular nature reserve, home to 253 bird species and an easily accessible greenspace in North London for at least 1.5million people. Yet climate change, the close proximity of major roads like the M1 and the A406 and increasing urbanisation are putting its flora and fauna at risk.
Research shows that Common Tern nesting pairs at the Welsh Harp – a registered Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – fell from 44 in 2000 to just four in 2022. Great Crested Grebe nests dropped from 55 in 1987 to 27 in 2022, with bird breeding success also decreasing.
A new scheme by the project partners called Wings on Water (WoW) have contracted the services of specialists Ebsford Environmental to revive old habitats, allowing all bird species grow in number in the Welsh Harp. Water channels that have been blocked for decades will be dredged and cleared of contaminated silt, so that bird species can call them home again.
Invasive species such as Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed will be removed, so they can no longer pose a hazard to humans and wildlife. New plants will be added to absorb pollution from busy nearby roads like the A5, M1 and A406. The project will plant reed beds and introduce other protections to absorb pollutants and prevent seepage into the reservoir, adding protection for habitats and wildlife.
WoW will create over one hectare of new habitats, including 0.52 hectares of new reedbeds, 0.4 hectares of marshy grassland and 0.47 hectares of wildflower meadow – all valuable wildlife habitats.
Cllr Schneiderman, Barnet Council Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, said: “This project will bring the whole community together while supporting Barnet’s broader sustainability goals. We will foster among our residents a deeper connection to nature, building heathier, happier communities in inner-city London.
“By restoring habitats and improving biodiversity, we are not only helping wildlife thrive but also making our borough greener and more resilient to climate change. Please do get involved and help make the Welsh Harp a true urban oasis for both people and wildlife.”
Soma Pujari, Executive Trustee Kusuma Trust UK, said: "Kusuma Trust is excited to be partnering with Canal and River Trust to support and protect the biodiversity of the Welsh Harp and to improve access to this green space for the surrounding community. Their strong partnerships with local government, environmental charities and community groups will ensure a successful transformation of this important space and its lasting impact for Londoners and urban wildlife.”
Ros Daniels, Director London & South East Region, Canal & River Trust, said: “The Welsh Harp is one of London’s most significant urban wild places, and an important place for diverse communities to connect with nature, recreation, heritage, and enjoy huge health and wellbeing benefits. Our exciting project will continue to ensure that this wonderful and unique place will continue to thrive for people and nature.”
The Wings on Water project – which began in October 2025 – will span 36 months. The work is funded using a £150,000 grant from philanthropy organisation The Kusuma Trust UK and £150,000 of match funding from Barnet Council. A further £73,000 will come from the council’s S106 contributions to support improvements to the Welsh Harp.
In addition to the WoW project, Barnet Council is working with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) to improve the habitat in other areas of the site. The public are invited to get involved through a series of volunteering sessions, citizen science activities and wildlife walks running throughout the year.
Volunteer conservation sessions are at the Welsh Harp from 10am to 3pm every Wednesday, meeting outside the Phoenix Canoe Club, Cool Oak Ln, NW9 7ND. Contact Saskia Warren via 07740899620 or saskia.warren@tcv.org.uk if you’d like to join in – and please bring a packed lunch and suitable outdoor clothes and footwear. To learn more, click on the next Welsh Harp Wednesday event on the activity sessions web page of The Conservation Volunteers.