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Can you help tidy North-west London’s urban oasis?

We're calling all wildlife-loving volunteers to help tidy up Brent Reservoir, also known as the Welsh Harp, on Saturday, 13 June.

Barely a mile from Wembley Stadium, the reservoir is a rare Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in this part of London. It is a hotbed for breeding wetland birds, such as the great crested grebe and common tern. It also provides an exceptionally important overwintering site for migratory birds including smew, pochard and gadwell, as well as being home to other wildlife, and a popular spot for sailing and walkers.

Anyone interested in taking part should meet at 10am in the Welsh Harp Open Space car park at the top of Birchen Grove, approximate postcode NW9 8SE. The event will run for two hours and all tools will be provided.

Debbie Vidler, Canal & River Trust volunteer development co-ordinator, said:“Brent Reservoir is still a bit of a secret oasis in this part of London. Not too many people even know it is here, tucked between Wembley Stadium and the north circular, but its importance for London's wildlife can't be understated. As a SSSI, it's important that we continue to keep it in a condition suitable for the array of wildlife that make it their home, so we're delighted to be joining forces with local volunteers to give it some love. We're really keen to get more people involved, so if you are interested in wildlife, meeting new people or just getting stuck in to some physical labour in the outdoors, then do join us. The more people we get, the more work we'll get done.”

Daniella Levene, from Friends of the Welsh Harp, said: "The Welsh Harp really needs help, we plan to run monthly events from litter picking to conservation work. As a new group we're still small so all volunteers will be warmly welcome and will be making a real difference to the environment."

Last Edited: 29 November 2016

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