London Walk: Brent Reservoir Welsh Harp Nature Reserve. The Brent Reservoir is also known as the Welsh Harp after a tavern which stood on the Edgware Road until the 1970s. The reservoir is located between Hendon (Barnet) and Wembley Park (Brent). This is a site of special scientific interest and spans just under 170 hectares. If you’re looking for free things to do in Hendon, places to visit in Hendon, family days out in Barnet or walks in Brent, visit the Brent Reservoir Welsh Harp.
Brent Reservoir / Welsh Harp Views
Exploring The Brent Reservoir Welsh Harp Nature Reserve
The Welsh Harp Open Space is a park and nature reserve occupying over 23 acres on the north-west shore. On your walk, you will see marshes, wetlands, grasslands and of course the large reservoir. This habitat attracts an abundance of wildlife, especially wetland birds. There are two bird hides which are managed by the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre. Keep your eyes open and you might spot a great crested grebe, tufted duck, gadwall or shoveler. There have been notable rare bird spotting here over the years.
Brent Reservoir / Welsh Harp Wild Life
The reservoir was constructed by William Hoof in 1834-1835. It is fed by the Silk Stream and River Brent; these two brooks were dammed to form the Brent Reservoir / Welsh Harp to supply the Grand Union Canal. In 1841 many days of rain led to the collapse of the dam head killing people and livestock. The reservoir was enlarged in 1851 and then became popular for fishing (now forbidden) and bird watching.
Brent Reservoir / Welsh Harp Sports Fields
If you’re interested in sporting activities you will find the Welsh Harp Sailing Club, Wembley Sailing Club, Sea Cadets and University of London Sailing Club located here. Neasden Recreation Ground is on the southern shore is dedicated to sporting activities and a play area.
Where to Eat Near the Brent Reservoir Welsh Harp Nature Reserve
If you’re feeling hungry, you can visit the cafe located at the Birchen Grove Garden Centre. They serve tea, coffee and cake and have toilets! The address is Birchen Grove Garden Centre, Birchen Grove, Kinsbury, London NW9 8RY. Opening times are Monday to Saturday from 9 am until 5.30 pm and Sunday from 11 am until 5 pm (café opens 10.30 Sundays).
My Dish at Bang Bang
We headed to Bang Bang Oriental Foodhall which I’ve eaten at a few times now, read my Bang Bang Review. It’s a buzzy place filled with thirty kiosks dishing up Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Thai food and more. The food here is delicious and the portion size very good for the price. It’s a great place to eat with friends or family. The address is 399 Edgware Road, Colindale, London NW9 OFH. Opening times are Monday to Thursday from 11.30 am until 9.30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am until 10 pm and Sunday from 11 am until 9 pm. It takes approximately 40 minutes from the Reservoir to Bang Bang if you walk.
The Brent Reservoir Welsh Harp Nature Reserve Information
Head to Aboyne Road, London NW10 OEX to find the reservoir. Hendon is the nearest train station and Neasdon is the closest underground station. For more information go to the Canal and River Trust Website and the Welsh Harp Conservation Group Website. The walk around the reservoir will take about 30 minutes. Enjoy!
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Thanks: To my friend Rich for visiting with me.
