They have been working for the past few months on turning the north-eastern end of the Tarn into a conservation area and also reducing erosion to the south bank.

Pete Mischenko, fisheries officer for the Environment Agency, explains: “The Tarn is very popular with the public, and the work we’ve done should now also make it more attractive to fish and other wildlife.

“The fish will benefit greatly from the reed beds that we’ve begun work on. We’ve laid the foundations of the beds, and will be going back next spring to plant the reeds, which will give fish somewhere to spawn.

“This will help to improve fish stocks and benefit the anglers who use the Tarn. Birds and other wildlife are very keen on reedbeds too, as they provide cover and feeding areas.

“The south bank of the Tarn is subject to wind and wave erosion, so what we’ve done there is to create windbreak baffles that will reduce the damage.

“And out in the Tarn itself we’ve created two floating islands and anchored them to the bed of the Tarn. These have been planted and will provide refuges both for fish and birds, helping them to thrive.”

The Tarn will be more visually pleasing for human visitors and will also attract more wildlife with the new habitat improvements. The visual aspect will improve gradually as the reeds and other plantings take root and grow.

The Environment Agency has been working in partnership with Leeds Council’s Parks and Countryside section, who are now making other improvements to the Tarn’s paths, car parks, signs and toilets.