Lisvane Reservoir

Lisvane Reservoir lies near Llanishen in Cardiff, south Wales. Built in the 19th century as part of the Taff Fawr water scheme, it holds 360,000 cubic metres of water. The reservoir sits beside Llanishen Reservoir and forms part of the Nant Fawr Corridor. This green route runs from Roath Park down to the countryside past Cyncoed. The site is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The reservoir’s value comes from its role in supplying water to Cardiff since 1886. In 2013, CELSA Group bought both Lisvane and Llanishen reservoirs to secure water for its rod mill. Welsh Water later took over the reservoirs on a 999-year lease in 2016. Redevelopment in 2023 added a visitor centre, restaurant, nature trails and bird hides. The reservoirs reopened fully to the public that summer. Visitors find a two-storey centre with views over the water. Nature trails wind around the reservoir’s edge, leading to bird hides for watching wildlife. The Site of Special Scientific Interest status means rare plants and birds live here. The Nant Fawr Corridor links the site to Roath Park and beyond. It is a quiet spot for walking, watching birds and enjoying the reservoir’s 19th-century engineering.