Wildlife conservation groups have expressed outrage after dozens of people swam in a protected wildlife pond on Hampstead Heath, disturbing nesting birds and their young. The incident occurred on Monday as temperatures in London reached a record 35°C, prompting many to seek relief in water bodies across the city.
Disturbance to Wildlife
Swans and their 12-day-old cygnets were among the birds affected, with video footage showing a swan poking an unhatched egg that had fallen into the water during the chaos. The City of London Corporation described the scenes as 'utterly appalling.' Coots, moorhens, and swans were seen guarding their eggs and chicks as swimmers oblivious to the signs around the pond—which clearly prohibit swimming due to its status as a wildlife conservation area—splashed nearby.
Call for Responsible Behavior
The RSPB emphasized that this is a critical time for breeding birds, which need peace to nest and care for their young. 'Along with the dangers of swimming in unauthorised places, there is a significant risk of disturbing wildlife,' the charity said. 'Many species are already under huge pressure, and disturbance can make a parent abandon their nest, putting eggs and chicks at risk.' They urged people to swim only in authorized, lifeguarded spaces.
The Instagram account Swans of Hampstead Heath, which raised the alarm, noted that this is peak nesting season, with eggs still waiting to hatch and ducklings only days old. 'Restricting these birds to a small section at the back of the pond makes it incredibly difficult for them to access the natural food they need to survive,' the account stated. When nests are disturbed, adult birds often flee, leaving their young vulnerable to predators or starvation.
Enforcement and Warnings
Alderman Gregory Jones KC, chair of the City of London Corporation's Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park committee, condemned the swimmers' conduct. 'Entering other non-lifeguarded water bodies is extremely dangerous, against our bylaws, and causes significant harm to wildlife habitats,' he said. 'We always seek to engage with visitors first, but the constabulary will take enforcement action where necessary, including issuing fines or making arrests.'
Nature campaigner and barrister Paul Powesland offered a broader perspective, noting that such incidents are an 'almost inevitable consequence of the destruction of outdoor lidos and the poisoning of rivers across London.' He argued that it is 'madness for a city the size of London to have only one set of wild swimming ponds, conveniently located in one of the wealthiest areas.'
Authorities have also warned of the risks of cold water shock and drowning, as lakes, rivers, and the sea remain much colder than the current air temperatures.
