More than 100,000 fish were removed from a reservoir before its water was drained for a restoration project.

The Canal and River Trust estimates that contractors moved tens of thousands of fish were moved to other parts of the canal system – some weighing 30lbs each.

It’s said the total amount of fish removed was 16,000lbs. It will be restocked with native species including roach and perch in the spring and more next year.

One image showed a massive mirror carp that was netted last month.

Brent & Kilburn Times: A massive carp netted in Welsh Harp ReservoirA massive carp netted in Welsh Harp Reservoir (Image: Canal and River Trust)

And according to the Phoenix Canoe Club and Outdoor Centre, which helped with a volunteer clean-up, an invasive signal crayfish species was found.

Machetes, shotgun cases, two bags of bullets, parking meters and Second World War ammunition were among the things collected.

Lots of other weird and wonderful items were found after 200 rubbish bags were filled during the operation, such as ten safes, four e-bikes, dozens of car tyres and suitcases.

Brent & Kilburn Times: A machete found during the Welsh Harp Reservoir clean-upA machete found during the Welsh Harp Reservoir clean-up (Image: Canal and River Trust)

One person who attended the clean-up event on January 13 also shared pictures and videos showing various Buddhist and Hindu offerings – as well as a Christian one – found in the water.

With the water drained, essential repairs will commence including fixing the chains and rods that operate the reservoir’s sluices and repainting the Valve House Tower.

Eashani Haria, Canal & River Trust’s community roots co-ordinator for Brent, said: “The draining of the Brent Reservoir for maintenance has presented us with a once-in-a-generation chance to face up to the environmental challenge posed by flytipping and littering here.

“Over the past few weeks our volunteer events and crowdfunded professional clear up of the reservoir bed has turned up machetes, safes, parking meters and Second World War ammunition – not to mention the everyday items like crisp packets and drink cans.

“Humans have treated the Welsh Harp badly over the years, but it remains a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its incredible wildlife and is one of London’s most significant urban wild spaces.

“Our charity, alongside volunteers and community groups, is committed to protecting it.”