New nesting islands arrive at the Welsh Harp

Another big day for our two-year eco-campaign to improve Brent Reservoir (Welsh Harp). This week we have seen the installation of four new planted nesting islands for the locally-threatened Great crested grebe. The funding was sourced by reservoir owner Canal and River Trust after pressure from Cool Oak in 2021. The nesting islands have been built and installed by floating-ecosystem experts, Biomatrix.

In the early 90s around fifty pairs of Great crested grebe would breed at Brent Reservoir. They became the Welsh Harp’s signature species. These days the numbers are in low single figures. Poor water quality, feeding ground degradation, increased recreational activity all contribute.

These islands can really help and are another step towards greater biodiversity at the Welsh Harp. Props to Canal and River Trust.