Clwyd West MS Darren Millar paid a visit last week to see the work that has been carried out by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to restore a Denbighshire reservoir back to its original state

As the artificially raised part of Llyn Brân reservoir was no longer needed as a water resource to supply drinking water, restoration work was carried out last year to remove the dam structure to allow the remaining natural lake to flow naturally as it would have done before the dam was built.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, the not-for-profit water company,  worked closely with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and environmental specialists on the project to ensure the restoration of the lake also resulted in a boost to local habitats and wildlife.

Commenting after his visit last week to see the restoration works, Darren said:

“Llyn Brân had supplied fresh clean water to the North Wales Hospital in Denbigh for many years until it closed. It was therefore no longer needed as a water resource and it was felt that the best solution would be to restore it to its natural state before the dam was built in 1896.

“I was extremely impressed by the work that has been carried out by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and was particularly pleased to hear that the restoring the reservoir back to a natural lake has brought a number of habitat enhancements to the area, including the relocation of rare aquatic plants from Llyn Anafon.

“I was told that the work to the dam will also help to improve fish migration and preserve the habitat for water vole as well as significant shoreline restoration works.

“Work started in May 2022 and finished in October 2022. Ongoing Ecological monitoring of the lake will continue for 10 years.

“I commend Welsh Water and Natural Resources Wales for completing the project so efficiently and sympathetically to the environment. It is in spectacular spot and I encourage people to take a look the next time they are in the area.”