Ministers urge City of London to act over swimmers in Hampstead Heath wildlife ponds

Ministers have called on the City of London to take immediate action to prevent people from swimming in the protected wildlife ponds at Hampstead Heath, following disturbing scenes of nesting birds being disrupted. Videos circulated on social media showed swimmers splashing around swans, coots, and moorhens, causing distress to the birds and their young, including 12-day-old cygnets. The City of London, which manages Hampstead Heath, described the behavior as “utterly appalling” amid record-breaking temperatures in London. Environment ministers Mary Creagh and Emma Hardy addressed a letter to Gregory Jones KC, chair of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park committee, expressing deep concern over the incident. They highlighted the legal protections afforded to wild birds under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which prohibits damaging or disturbing nests and eggs. The ministers requested details on the measures the City of London plans to implement to prevent future disturbances, emphasizing the potential for significant fines and imprisonment for violations. Conservation groups have also condemned the swimmers’ actions, with the RSPB underscoring the importance of this breeding season for birds that require undisturbed environments to raise their young. The charity urged the public to use designated, lifeguarded swimming areas rather than nature reserves to avoid harming wildlife. The incident has sparked broader concerns about balancing public recreation with wildlife conservation in urban green spaces. The controversy highlights ongoing challenges faced by local authorities in managing popular natural sites amid increasing visitor numbers, especially during heatwaves. It raises questions about enforcement of existing regulations and the adequacy of signage and public awareness campaigns to protect vulnerable species during critical breeding periods. The City of London’s response and future actions will be closely watched by conservationists and the public alike.