Welcome to our page about our exciting plans for the Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoir site. Our vision for the site is to create a hub for recreation, health and wellbeing – and provide an area in our vibrant capital where people can reconnect with water and our beautiful environment.

Background

We took over Lisvane and Llanishen reservoirs in 2016 – and became guardians of its amazing ecology and heritage.

Built in the late-19th century, this Victorian landmark covers 110 acres of green and blue space and is home to amazing flora and fauna – offering an oasis of calm just a few miles from Cardiff’s city centre.

Lisvane Reservoir is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for overwintering birds; and the embankments of both reservoirs are designated SSSI for waxcap  fungi. Much of the reservoir grassland and scrub woodland outside the SSSI is designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).

Ever since we took over Lisvane and Llanishen reservoirs  in 2016 we have been working to bring them back to  their former glory. Whilst understanding the ecological importance  of the site, we also recognise the site’s potential to create a  hub for recreation, health and wellbeing – and provide an area in our vibrant capital where people can reconnect with water and our beautiful environment. Our proposals aim to maximise public access whilst protecting and enhancing the  ecology of the site. They have been developed in consultation with key stakeholders and using feedback received from the local community.

The work so far

Restoring the reservoirs and bringing them back into operational use so they can be enjoyed for decades to come has been a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Ecologists have overseen every stage of this work to minimise   the impact of the work and protect the iconic wildlife all around – from the waxcap fungi to the overwintering  birds.

Since taking over the site in 2016 we have carried out a lot of work which has been essential in restoring the reservoirs. This has included:

• vegetation clearance within both reservoirs
• repairing the stone pitching on the inside of the dam wall at Llanishen reservoir
• repairing and replacing valves and pipes needed to operate the reservoirs  safely
• reinstating the perimeter fence
• draining Llanishen reservoir to fully inspect it before allowing it to safely refill
• introducing a new mowing regime for the reservoir embankments, which has enhanced the grassland for the waxcap fungi

In January 2022, work on the brand new two-storey hub at the northern end of the site got underway. Work on the building is anticipated to be completed during the Summer of 2023.

The Visitor Hub 

Our vision is to create a community hub for the local area and visitors to enjoy. At the northern end, we will create a visitor hub with spectacular views across both reservoirs. The two-storey building will  feature:

• Changing rooms, showers and toilets to enable water-sports use
• Meeting and training rooms
• Cafe with panoramic views across the  reservoirs

So you can enjoy the spectacular views and nature around us – we will also create:

• Circular paths around the reservoirs
• Bird hides and a viewpoint
• Conservation areas
• Site wide signage and interpretation and a nature  trail

Access and parking

Lisvane and Llanishen reservoirs are widely loved across Cardiff and further afield – so we want to make sure the site will also be as accessible to the local community and wider capital as possible, whilst protecting and enhancing the unique ecology of the site.

New access points and circular paths around the crest of the reservoirs and site will connect to local communities and public rights of way. We have carefully designed paths to guide visitors around the site and minimise impacts on ecologically sensitive areas. A wheelchair friendly bird hide will allow visitors to quietly observe the overwintering birds on Lisvane  reservoir.

Parking will also be available at the visitor hub for those  that need to travel by car. We also hope to be able to offer disabled parking provision and access to a viewpoint  on Llanishen reservoir from Rhyd-y-Penau Rd. We are a Dementia Friendly organisation and are committed to offering  Sailability.

The reservoirs site will be free to enter and open to the public 364 days a year. However to protect the overwintering birds and waxcap fungi, public access to Lisvane reservoir will be restricted during the winter months.

Education 

At Welsh Water, we believe in engaging with young people as they ultimately will be our customers of the future and will play a key role in helping us protect our precious water resources.

We already offer a comprehensive education programme which in 2019-2020 reached more than 75,000 children – and our education programmes have reached more than half a million children since they were established in 2001. Lisvane and Llanishen offer huge potential for building on this record as an educational resource, and so form a big part of our plans.

So our plans include:

• On-site rangers will deliver activities to visitors, schoolchildren and corporate groups to let them know about the special significance of the  reservoirs
• A Learning Zone with Welsh round house – which would support Forest  School programmes and be available  for use by education, community & wellbeing  groups
• Development of learning materials to complement Curriculum objectives
• Work experience, skills development and training placement opportunities
• Watersports training and courses

Volunteering at Lisvane and Llanishen

Welsh Water recognises that Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs are at the heart of the local community, and the important role that local people played in safeguarding the site for the benefit of future generations. To help deliver our vision of creating an urban hub for health & wellbeing we have supported the formation of Friends of Cardiff Reservoirs to help people get involved with the reservoirs and the site’s heritage.

Prior to the site opening to the public, members of the group will have the chance to work with Welsh Water and co-create volunteering events that will help with conservation management activities to protect and enhance the unique ecology of the site. Once opened to the public the Friends Group will continue to support Welsh Water to help care for the site into the future.