Swimmers at Hampstead Heath have been warned they could face fines or arrest after footage from the Bank Holiday weekend showed people diving into wildlife ponds, disturbing nesting swans and ducks during the May heatwave. The City of London Corporation, which manages the park, described the behavior as 'utterly appalling' and warned that enforcement action will be taken against those flouting the rules.
Incident Details
The video, filmed over the Bank Holiday weekend, captured Londoners cooling off in prohibited areas of the heath as temperatures soared to 35°C. Long queues at designated swimming ponds led many to seek relief in wildlife ponds, where they posed a threat to swans and ducks during nesting season. In one alarming scene, a swimmer nearly climbed onto a swan's nest before being shouted at to stop.
Wildlife group Swans of Hampstead Heath expressed concern, noting that this is the first time in years that swans have nested in the ponds. Cygnets were born just 13 days ago, and the disturbance puts their safety at risk.
Official Response
Alderman Gregory Jones KC of the City of London Corporation stated: 'Swimming is only permitted in the Mixed, Ladies’ and Men’s Ponds for safety reasons. Entering other non-lifeguarded water bodies is extremely dangerous, against our byelaws, and causes significant harm to wildlife habitats. We always seek to engage with visitors first, but the Constabulary will take enforcement action where necessary, including issuing fines or making arrests.'
Additional Incidents
The heatwave also led to a fight at Parliament Hill Lido on Bank Holiday Monday, forcing the popular outdoor pool to close early. A 15-year-old boy and a man in his 40s suffered minor injuries, with witnesses claiming one person was struck with a vodka bottle.
Wildlife Group Criticism
Swans of Hampstead Heath has accused the City of London Corporation of being 'unwilling or unable' to provide enough staff to properly manage the non-swimming ponds. Wildlife groups are calling for more fines to be issued to rule-breakers to prevent these areas from being treated like beach destinations.
A spokesperson for the group said: 'Large numbers of people entering shallow water damages sensitive aquatic habitat, disturbs nesting wildlife, churns up sediment, and impacts water quality in an already fragile ecosystem. By failing to properly protect these spaces, they are allowing the Heath to become overwhelmed, making it increasingly difficult for regular visitors to enjoy one of London’s most important urban wild spaces.'
The spokesperson added: 'People travel from all over London to party in this pond with little regard for its wildlife. The Heath should not have to lose its nature to accommodate people unwilling to respect it.'
Weather Forecast
London's heatwave is expected to continue for the next few days, with highs of 27°C on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and a peak of 32°C on Thursday. The weather will change on Sunday, with temperatures dropping to 22°C, heralding a period of unsettled and cooler weather.
