Two city centre reservoirs in Wales, which are currently undergoing major restoration work, have secured a financial boost to support the ecological resilience of the site and create a future hub for health and wellbeing in the capital.

Welsh Water’s Lisvane and Llanishen reservoirs, have been awarded a £930,000 grant from the Welsh Government’s ‘Enabling Natural Resources and Well-being (ENRaW)’ Scheme. The not for profit utility company partnered with the Reservoir Action Group (RAG), Cardiff Council and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board to apply for the grant.

The grant supports projects which improve the quality of the local environment and biodiversity, developing resilient ecological networks, whilst broadening access to sustainable green infrastructure linked to the wider population’s well-being.

Since taking over the site in 2016, Welsh Water has been engaging with the local community to understand their views regarding opening the site to the public in the future.

The site is a unique natural resource of significant ecological value. Located in the residential area north Cardiff it encompasses two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and has a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).

The Lisvane & Llanishen ENRaW project has been developed through an innovative partnership which harnesses expertise from 3 sectors: water utility, statutory and voluntary.

The formation of the partnership will allow Welsh Water to work in collaboration to enable natural resources and wellbeing, whilst protecting and enhancing biodiversity for the benefit of future generations.

The grant will enable the development of green infrastructure and the co-creation of a community engagement programme with volunteering, education and social prescribing strands. This includes creating conservation areas and a learning zone, installing foot paths, interpretation and bird hides to view the rich variety of wildfowl which reside at the reservoirs.

Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said:

“This ENRaW funding will make a massive difference to the two reservoirs, boosting their biodiversity and enhancing their surrounding environment. Not only will the local community be able to enjoy and learn about the wonderful nature around them, helping them improve their own health and wellbeing, but they will also be able to take responsibility themselves and engage with the sites through activities and volunteering opportunities.”

Peter Perry, Welsh Water’s Managing Director added:

“We are delighted to have been successful in securing the ENRaW funding. By harnessing the enthusiasm and commitment of the local community, the funding will support the development of some key facilities, that maximize recreational opportunities to meet the health and well-being needs of the people of Cardiff and south Wales; whilst also protecting and enhancing the special features, ecology and biodiversity of the site.”

To ensure the benefits of the facilities that the funding will support are fully realised, the partnership will be collaborating with a wide range of local groups and organisations in and around the capital to develop links between the community and the reservoir site.

The aim is to engage as many people as possible in activities or volunteering opportunities at the site ; learning about the ecology and to help care for the precious site in the future.

Any organisations, community groups or charities interested in finding out more about the partnership opportunities which could be available at the site should contact Welsh Water at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it