Ministers Urge City of London to Address Swimming Disturbances in Hampstead Heath Wildlife Ponds
Ministers have formally requested the City of London Corporation to take measures to prevent people from swimming in a protected pond on Hampstead Heath, following widely shared footage showing disturbances to nesting birds caused by large groups of swimmers.
The incident occurred on Monday, when temperatures in London reached a record 35°C, and numerous individuals were seen splashing in the north London park's wildlife pond. One video captured a swan pecking at an unhatched egg that had fallen into the water amid the commotion.
Conservationists expressed deep concern after the video circulated on social media, with the City of London describing the scenes as “utterly appalling.” Various bird species including coots, moorhens, and swans were observed guarding their eggs and young while swimmers appeared unaware of the disturbance. Despite prominent signage around the pond prohibiting swimming due to its status as a wildlife conservation area, the activity continued.
Government Ministers Express Concern and Request Preventative Measures
Environment ministers Mary Creagh and Emma Hardy addressed a letter, obtained by , to Gregory Jones KC, chair of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park committee at the City of London Corporation. The ministers conveyed their “deeply concerned” stance regarding the disruption to wild chicks and highlighted the distressing image of a swan watching an unhatched egg in the water during the incident.
“The sight of an adult swan watching an unhatched egg after it fell into the water during the chaos was truly heart-wrenching.”
The letter inquired about the steps the City of London plans to implement to prevent recurrence. It referenced the legal protections under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, emphasizing that nests and eggs of all wild birds are protected by law. The act prohibits, with limited exceptions, the deliberate taking, damaging, or destruction of wild bird nests while in use or being built, as well as the intentional taking or destruction of wild bird eggs. Penalties for violations include unlimited fines and up to six months imprisonment per offence.
“As I am sure you are aware, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the nests and eggs of all wild birds are protected by law. This makes it illegal, with certain limited exceptions, to deliberately take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built, or intentionally take or destroy a wild bird’s egg. An individual can receive an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison for each offence if found guilty.”
The ministers concluded their letter by requesting information on the measures being introduced to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We would be grateful to know what steps are being put in place to prevent such an incident happening again.”
Nature Charities Condemn Swimming in Wildlife Areas
Environmental organizations also criticized the swimmers’ actions. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) emphasized the critical breeding period for birds, noting the need for them to nest and care for their young undisturbed.
“It is a crucial time of year for breeding birds which just want to nest and care for their young in peace.”
The RSPB urged the public to choose authorized, lifeguarded swimming locations instead of natural reserves to avoid harming wildlife.
