Park of the week

10. Welsh Harp Open Space

Of the 100 parks/open spaces that we’ve now visited, this is one of my favourites. Space, greenery, and peace in the middle of Neasden. Unlike many of the places we’ve visited, Brent Reservoir, also known as the Welsh Harp, was not originally part of the grounds of a grand house. Some people have said it’s so named because it’s shaped like a harp, but in my opinion, it isn’t, Welsh or otherwise. Others say it’s named after The Old Welsh Harp pub that stood nearby until 1971. The reservoir lies next to the benighted North Circular Road, between Neasden and West Hendon. The reservoir itself has been there since 1838, and the Welsh Harp Open Space that surrounds it came into existence as a nature reserve in 1965, to the north west side of the reservoir. It received a Green Flag Award in 2011.

The reservoir has been designated as a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, mainly because of the range of breeding waterbirds, and the reservoir and its surroundings have been designated as a Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation. You can walk to the edge of the reservoir (wellies recommended), but you can’t swim or fish in it. There is a sailing centre, closed at the moment, which is home to a number of clubs. I had planned to join one, before the pandemic, so it’s now on the list of places to go once we’re allowed. 

There is a lot of space to lose yourself in: scrub and hedgerows, many of which are ancient and were cut from the original forest. There are paths for walking, jogging, and dog-walking, plenty of benches to rest on and look at the water. There are woodland trails – when we went, that lockdown staple, wild garlic, was just starting to sprout. Although there were other people there, it didn’t feel crowded, and we only had to step off the path to let others past once or twice.
There is a car park in Birchen Grove, NW9, or you may be able to park on the road.

Judith Field

Welsh Harp Open Space, Birchen Grove, London NW9 8SA