Barnet Council is intensifying its efforts to combat persistent fly-tipping issues near the Welsh Harp Reservoir, particularly at Priestly Way. The commitment was highlighted during the Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee meeting on Monday, 24 November 2025, where updates on the Welsh Harp Management Plan were discussed.
Barnet Council commits to rectifying waste contamination and access issues at Priestly Way within the next month. The council relies on public reporting to identify and clear fly-tipping, and asks that any fly-tipping around the Welsh Harp be reported to parks@barnet.gov.uk.
The council acknowledges that waste contamination and access issues have hampered previous clean-up attempts but aims to rectify the situation within the next month. They are urging the public to report any fly-tipping incidents around the Welsh Harp to parks@barnet.gov.uk, as the council relies on these reports to identify and clear affected areas.
Barnet Council is collaborating with the Environment Agency and specialist contractors to clear riverside waste upstream of the Silk Stream trash screen. Additionally, the council is working with Thames21 Brent Catchment Partnership to address broader issues facing the Brent River catchment, including the Welsh Harp. The council is a member of the Thames21 Brent Catchment Partnership and continues to work with stakeholders on the biggest issues facing the Brent River catchment, which includes the Welsh Harp. Officers attend working group meetings, such as the invasive non-native species (INNS) control group, which has recently produced an interactive map to show INNS locations and treatment plans.
This includes tackling invasive non-native species (INNS) such as Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed, and giant hogweed, which are present at the Welsh Harp. The council has engaged a specialist contractor for additional spraying, treating 2775 square metres of giant hogweed this year.
In consultation with the Friends of the Welsh Harp, resources have been redeployed from contractor litter picks to invasive non-native species treatment. Treatment was successful on the left bank of the Silk Stream downriver of the trash screen. Access issues prevented comprehensive treatment of the corresponding area on the right bank, which the council aims to resolve in spring 2026.
The Welsh Harp Management Plan Update - Barnet report noted that Barnet Council continues to work in partnership with Brent Council, the Canal and River Trust, The GLA, The London Wildlife Trust and Thames 21 in delivering the overarching Vision for the Welsh Harp, Welsh Harp Management Plan and Brent Catchment Partnership & Action Plan.
