Projects and Initiatives

on the Waterways of Brent

Click on the picture to see more details

The Welsh Harp Development Project

The Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee, comprising representatives of Barnet and Brent Councils, as well as various organisations involved with the site, have developed a programme to improve the heritage, nature conservation and recreational value of the Welsh Harp, and improve access to it. The £760,000 programme will protect, interpret and enhance its special environment in a sensitive and sustainable manner for the enjoyment of future generations. Funding of £420,000 was obtained from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and £60,000 from the Guinness Water of Life Fund for the 18 projects, due for completion by Dec.2001. The latter (now called the Diageo Water of Life Fund) is providing further funding of £40,000 to develop 3 projects over the next two years.

Welsh Harp Development
 

River Brent Enhancements Project

The River Brent Enhancements Project is about creating a better environment along the stretch of river running through Tokyngton, St.Raphaels and the Wembley Industrial Estate. The idea is to create a valuable river park for the use and enjoyment of people living and working locally, as well as visitors. Brent Council is taking the lead on the project and is working with other partners to secure improvements. Consultations with local residents have already taken place, and currently various specialist organisations, such as Halcrow (engineers) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents are preparing their advice and guidelines for this project. It is at outline design stage at present, and public opinion is welcome to give further influence to the programme for riverside enhancements.

The Canal Feeder

The Stonebridge Housing Action Trust has plans to upgrade the stretch of the Feeder running through the Stonebridge Housing Estate. It is part of a big redevelopment project aimed at replacing high rise buildings with smaller houses to improve the quality of life in the estate. The Feeder is to become an amenity for the people living there. These plan are being pursued with Brent Council's Agenda 21 and Thames 21. The latter is a joint initiative between several organisations aiming to prevent and remedy litter in and around London's rivers. The initial plans are for a linear park and to improve the Feeder itself. This will be by modifying the banks to encourage wildlife, vary its width to encourage a steadier flow rate, and improve its long term maintenance.

 

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan 2000

Biodiversity is the sum of the natural environment, including its genetic, habitat, ecological, cultural, geographic and other diversity. Local Biodiversity Action Plans are being prepared by each local authority in the United Kingdom, and by the UK government. Action Plans for individual habitats and for some species are also being prepared nationally by various agencies and organisations.

The ultimate aim of the Biodiversity Action Plan in Brent is to improve the natural environment of the whole Borough. Brent is a largely built-up area, and it will not return to a 'natural state'. There is however considerable potential to create a better natural environment. This can encompass parks, gardens, nature areas, trees, woodland, greens and other features. The Biodiversity Action Plan process should provide the lead for improving the quality of the natural environment and for incorporating improvements into the local environment.

Brent's Biodiversity Action Plan is led by Brent's Parks Service and co-ordinated by the Brent Biodiversity Team, which meets annually in about January.

Waterways of Brent Homepage