Restoring The Reservoirs

A New Start

Enhancing The Site

Cardiff’s iconic reservoirs

Brought to you by Welsh Water

Restoring & Redeveloping


Welsh Water has restored, redeveloped and reopened Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs to the public with an emphasis on recreational activities and the conservation of biodiversity.

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 development and protect the iconic wildlife all around – from the waxcap fungi to the overwintering birds.

Key Work Undertaken By Welsh Water


Vegetation clearance in 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 re-fill

Introducing a new mowing regime for the reservoir embankments thus enhancing the grassland for the waxcap fungi

The creation of Friends Of Cardiff Reservoirs

Working Together


In addition to Welsh Water investment in new visitor amenities, the restoration and redevelopment of Lisvane & Llanishen has been made possible thanks to the following funded projects and collaborations with national, regional and local partners.


Enabling Natural Resources and Wellbeing Scheme (EnRAW)

This project has offered activities to benefit people’s own health whilst also helping enhance the site’s environment and biodiversity including new paths, bird hides, community engagement and social proscribing opportunities.

Llywodraeth Cymru Welsh Government Logo
Cardiff Council Logo
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Logo
Logo of Reservoir Action Group
Welsh Water Logo

Community Woodlands Scheme

The Gwern-y-Bendy Woods and part of the Rhyd-y-Pennau Complex restored and enhanced so that it may flourish for decades to come. 


Project Evaluation

Read the report of the study commissioned by Welsh Water that explores how community engagement at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs supports the health and wellbeing of the local community, improves access to the green and blue spaces, and enhances biodiversity at the site.

• Cardiff Metropolitan University Report by Bashir et al 2024 •

Llywodraeth Cymru Welsh Government Logo
Friends of Cardiff Reservoirs Logo
Dwr Cymru Welsh Water logo
Cronfa Dreftadaeth Heritage Fund logo

Other Highlights

History

Learn about when were the reservoirs built and what were they for. What was the Taf Fawr Scheme and why were the reservoirs decommissioned?

• READ MORE •

Wellbeing Hub

Nature trails, Friends group, community engagement programme and social proscribing opportunities for health and wellbeing opportunities in Cardiff.

• READ MORE •

Education

Did you know there is a specially-built Welsh roundhouse on site as part of our wide educational offering at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs?

• READ MORE •

OTHER WELSH WATER ADVENTURES

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