Machetes and World War II ammo found in Welsh Harp Reservoir

The removal of 400 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of water from Welsh Harp Reservoir exposed tonnes of litter as well as some fascinating objects.

Around 70 volunteers joined the Friends of the Welsh Harp, Phoenix Canoe Club and the Canal and River Trust on Saturday (January 13) to help clean up as much rubbish as possible from the reservoir bed.

Some of the bags collected in Welsh Harp Reservoir (Image: Canal and River Trust)

It’s estimated that 200 bags of rubbish were collected.

But according to a post from the Friends of the Welsh Harp, shotgun cases, machetes and two bags of bullets were also found.

The clean-up in Welsh Harp Reservoir (Image: Canal and River Trust)

Other items included parking meters, safes and Second World War ammunition.

Bits of litter found in Welsh Harp Reservoir (Image: Canal and River Trust)

One person who attended the event also shared pictures and videos showing various Buddhist and Hindu offerings – as well as a Christian one – found in the water.

Hindu and bhuddist (and one Christian) offerings to the welsh harp reservoir, picked up from the mud last Saturday (thanks to all the litter pickers who gave me theirs). Otherwise destined for the rubbish bin. @CanalRiverTrust #hinduofferings #brent #mudlarking pic.twitter.com/tmTtnMnm7g

— @foreshoreseashore (@mudlarkanna) January 15, 2024

Eashani Haria, Canal & River Trust’s community roots co-ordinator for Brent, said: “The draining of the Brent Reservoir for maintenance has presented us with a once-in-a-generation chance to face up to the environmental challenge posed by flytipping and littering here.

“Around 70 volunteers helped collect more than 200 bags of rubbish at our event on Saturday.”

A machete found In Welsh Harp (Image: Canal and River Trust)

“Over the past few weeks our volunteer events and crowdfunded professional clear up of the reservoir bed has turned up machetes, safes, parking meters and Second World War ammunition – not to mention the everyday items like crisp packets and drink cans.

“Humans have treated the Welsh Harp badly over the years, but it remains a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its incredible wildlife and is one of London’s most significant urban wild spaces.

“Our charity, alongside volunteers and community groups, is committed to protecting it.”

Bullets found in Welsh Harp Reservoir (Image: Canal and River Trust)

With the water drained, essential repairs will take place including fixing the chains and rods that operate the reservoir’s sluices and repainting the Valve House Tower.

A fish rescue operation was also carried out to assure that the wildlife in he area was protected.

To donate to the crowd funder set to support the project, visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-us-with-the-welsh-harp-brent-clean-up?utm_source=p