Illegal Swimmers Disrupt Wildlife at Hampstead Heath
Concerns have been raised about an invasion of Hampstead Heath’s wildlife ponds by “shameful” swimmers as another heatwave looms. The Model Boating Pond in north London has been plagued by swimmers desperate to cool off, bathing in undesignated ponds and disrupting local wildlife. In footage captured by The Standard, swimmers were spotted paddling just metres away from a bevy of swans, with other rulebreakers making it to the other side of the pond before being detected by rangers.
City of London Corporation’s Crackdown Measures
The City of London Corporation has repeatedly urged visitors to abide by the rules and only swim in the designated lidos. The corporation has also instated extra security, barbed wire, and glaring signage to put a stop to the unauthorised swimming. However, as London prepares for seven days of 30C-plus temperatures, fears of those flouting the rules have been reignited.
Residents and Officials Voice Concerns
Debbie, 43, told The Standard that she would not be “surprised” if there were more instances of unauthorised swimming. “It’s not a new problem. People can’t help themselves. They see water and they think it’s for them to swim in,” she said. Robert Gibbs, chairman of the Hampstead and Highgate Angling Society, added that the Constabulary had done a “sterling job” so far at preventing more illegal swimming incidents. But he said that the “unruly behaviour of shameful swimmers” risked “sabotaging” the future of Hampstead Heath for those who do play by the rules.
Impact on Angling Events
Mr Gibbs and the HAHAS held a “Give Angling a Go” day at the ponds to inspire the next generation of fishermen, but said without the Hampstead Heath Constabulary, illegal swimming might have thrown the event into jeopardy. He warned that the effort from local authorities had “set the tone”, but it would require a “sustained effort” to keep swimmers away. The Model Boating Pond is regularly used by the angling society for fishing and is one of the few where fishing is permitted.
Recurring Problem Despite Security
Another resident, who did not want to be named, explained: “They’ll have security for a bit and then people will just come back. And when it’s this hot, people don’t care - they’ll risk it.” Even at ponds where swimming is authorised, park rangers and security teams have been confronted with swimmers breaking into ponds after hours. One woman told The Standard she had heard of instances where teenagers waited until dusk to jump into the men’s swimming ponds.
Fines and Arrests Possible for Rulebreakers
The City of London Corporation warned last month that those who flout the rules at Hampstead Heath risk being fined or even arrested. In a statement last week, the Corporation said: “As well as our own Constabulary, we’ve put additional security and patrols in place across the Heath, particularly around the Lido and Model Boating Pond. Entering any other water body is extremely dangerous and risks both lives and wildlife. We want all visitors to enjoy their time on the Heath, and we’re asking everyone to behave responsibly, and respect the space and those who care for it.”
