Two redundant reservoirs in north Wales have been drained to restore the landmark to how it may have looked in the 19th century. Work is ongoing at the adjacent reservoirs based in Flintshire’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
On the Nant Gain River, near the village of Cilcain, there are four small reservoirs that were originally built in 1896 to supply drinking water. However, they are no longer in use as locals receive their drinking water from Alwen Reservoir in Conwy.
North Wales Live reports that as a result, both reservoirs - Cilcain one and two - have been emptied. Dŵr Cymru is attempting to replicate the river’s original course and flows by excavating and removing the embankment dividing them. However, removing the lower embankment was considered too expensive, so a wide channel is being dug to enable the river to flow through. Cilcain three and four will remain as reservoirs.
Tudur Ellis, the scheme’s project manager, said: “They required significant investment and construction work to bring them up to current regulations. This is why Welsh Water is returning the natural landscape.
“By carefully designing the restoration process, we aim to enhance the biodiversity in the area by reinstating the natural river corridor, creating a thriving habitat for wildlife. The reservoirs are located within an AONB near Moel Famau, and restoring the site to its natural state is in keeping with the surrounding landscape.”
A geomorphologist will ensure that the new river channel is built as closely as possible to its original path during the work of the £2 million scheme. Artists' impressions have also been created to show how the site will look once restoration work is finished - suggesting the river will flow through a basin partially surrounded by woodland. Work began in March 2023 and should be finished by the end of the year.
Senedd members Carolyn Thomas and Hannah Blythyn have taken a look at the recent progress. Carolyn hopes a “green lush area” will emerge. She said: “This not only promotes the preservation of our environment but it also enhances the area’s ecological balance.”
However, NWL reports that two unclassified roads and around 20 residential properties in the area are currently at risk from downstream flooding during extreme weather events. It reports that a study found the reservoir scheme will make no difference to flood risk.
