A major conservation project is under way at the Welsh Harp (Brent Reservoir), a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The project aims to reverse years of decline by improving habitats for threatened bird species.
Cllr Alan 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.”
The Welsh Harp is home to 253 recorded bird species and provides green space for at least 1.5 million people.
However, climate change, major roads, and urban development have put increasing pressure on wildlife at the site.
Common tern nesting pairs dropped from 44 in the year 2000 to just four in 2022.
Great crested grebe nests declined from 55 in 1987 to 27 in 2022.
The new scheme, called Wings on Water (WoW), will restore old nesting and feeding grounds with the help of specialists Ebsford Environmental.
Water channels blocked for decades will be dredged and cleared to make them usable for wildlife once again.
The project will also remove invasive species such as Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed.
New planting will help absorb pollution from nearby roads, including the A5, M1, and A406.
The scheme will create more than one hectare of new habitats, including 0.52 hectares of reedbeds, 0.4 hectares of marshy grassland, and 0.47 hectares of wildflower meadow.
Soma Pujari, executive trustee at 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.”
The WoW project began in October 2025 and will run for 36 months.
It is funded by a £150,000 grant from Kusuma Trust UK, £150,000 of match funding from Barnet Council, and an additional £73,000 from council S106 contributions.
Barnet Council is also working with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) to improve other areas of the site.
The public can get involved through volunteering sessions, citizen science projects, and wildlife walks.
Volunteer conservation sessions take place every Wednesday from 10am to 3pm, meeting outside the Phoenix Canoe Club on Cool Oak Lane.
