The building of the barrage to create a 'freshwater lake' was a key element in the plans to redevelop Cardiff Bay. The barrage serves to dam the mouth of the rivers Taff and Ely resulting in a 200 hectare freshwater lake and providing 13km of waterfront.

Although very attractive there was a lot of resistance to the plans from householders who feared the barrage would raise the natural level of water in Cardiff and result in flooded homes.

It took five separate Bills until Parliament finally passed the Act that would pave the way for the redevelopment.

Before the flooding of the Bay in 1999, the area was mainly mudflats and salt marshes and the River Taff was tidal right up to Blackweir, just north of the city centre.

The exclusion of sea water from the Bay has changed the habitats available for flora and fauna to thrive.

Previously the area was home to a large waterfowl and wading bird population; sea-going shoals of grey mullet were still known to make their way upstream as far as the Bute Park revetments.

Waterfowl and wading bird populations have relocated to newly protected areas including the nearby Gwent Levels Reserve just outside Newport.

Some species such as sea plantain, sea arrow grass and spartina have survived the change but the constant water level has removed the inter-tidal zone, which would have supported many species.

There has been a scheme to encourage salmon, sewin and sea trout back into the Taff to breed, including a fishpass- the largest in Europe - in the barrage itself.

Retrace your steps back to to the dry dock. When you get to Techniquest turn left through a gap in the wall and bear right until you get to Stuart Street.