Agenda item

Leslie Williams (Project Officer, Brent Council) presented a report outlining progress on the Brent Reservoir / Welsh Harp Management Plan since the last meeting of the Committee and during the 2022/23 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.

Mr Williams highlighted the key issues to note of concern include the wildlife around the Welsh Harp and litter continues to be a concern despite many volunteer groups being involved to try to work to clear the problem. There are also problems with invasive species, and these are trying to be contained via the River Brent catchment.

Marshland conservation work on the southern shore has been temporarily paused to enable discussions with community groups and Mr Williams noted that visits take place have indicated that the previous work on the northern shore at the Welsh Harp Open Space has benefited a wide range of plants within the marshland vegetation along the edge of the reservoir while retaining a variety of trees on the shoreline landscape.

Mr Williams advised that discussions have continued between Brent Council and external partner organisations who have an interest in creating a viable environmental education centre. He noted that Thames 21 have agreed to provide some services for another year while discussions continue for a longer-term solution for the future of the Centre.

Cllr Mitchell thanked Brent Council for their commitment to the Welsh Harp Education Centre and noted that all initiatives are very important especially in the current times and is keen to keep the narrative around this going. She asked if any expressions of interest have been received to date and what efforts have been made to advertise the education centre. She also highlighted the community engagement element and asked what the current process of informing residents of the ongoing conversations surround the education centre. Mr Williams commented that Brent Council have put out many enquires to local organisations however this has not proved fruitful, and the main issue is finding a viable way of resourcing the centre, especially when it is in need of capital works and general maintenance.

Manfred Starkl asked in relation to the vision project and if the consultation exercise was carried out at the earliest part of thew vision and going forward he would like to be involved in this.  Mr Williams noted this request and thanked Manfred for all the  work carried out on the marshland and conservation of the area.

Suzanne noted that her organisation had previously put forward proposals to Brent Council a working group partnering with other local organisations to assist with the taking over of the education centre, in particular organisations who care of animals and nature which would enrich the local environment and would do as much or as little as we would need them to. Mr Williams agreed to make contact to further explore this option.

ACTION: MR WILLIAMS

Martin Francis, a local resident from Brent asked about the education centre and the various campaigns to save it many times. He suggested a local company, Carys who previously were interested in getting involved when Thames21 took over and suggested making contact with them. He also asked what Thames21 are offering in terms of resource for the additional year they will be available and if this is being marketed in the borough. He also asked about the status of Planet House. Mr Williams advised the Planet House will need significant in vestment as much of the building is beyond repair. He continued those discussions are ongoing with Thames21 about what activities they can cover and Mr Williams will update the Board once these are confirmed. He noted that any further information in relation to the education centre can be directed to Brent.Parks.Services@brent.gov.uk and all emails will be picked up and dealt with.

ACTION: MR WILLIAMS

Leo Batten asked about the education centre and noted he had made requests to Brent Council on the possibility of exploring the use of the centre to hold adult lectures in the evening on environmental issues. A lot more seriousness needs to be given to the centre, would like to see more serious discussion going on around it, children need to be made more aware of this.

ACTION: MR WILLIAMS

Cllr Liz Dixon noted the need to come up with some proposals and solutions.