The City of London Corporation (CLC) has confirmed that Hampstead Heath's bathing ponds will remain trans-inclusive, following a public consultation in which 86% of 38,000 respondents supported the existing policy. The decision means transgender women can continue to use the Kenwood Ladies' Pond, and transgender men can use the Highgate Men's Pond, while the mixed-gender pond remains open to all.
The policy review was prompted by the Supreme Court's April 2025 ruling that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex. Despite this, the CLC committee voted on Thursday to retain the current arrangements, citing the consultation results and legal advice. The corporation also agreed to upgrade toilet and shower facilities with more private cubicles.
Campaign group Sex Matters, which has a pending court of appeal application over the policy, criticised the decision. Director Fiona McAnena said the CLC had voted to 'defy the law and discriminate against women'. She added: 'The whole policy is an unlawful mess and it’s a disgrace that London councillors think that they can ride roughshod over the law.'
Transgender users have described the campaigners as 'cruel and judgmental', noting they have used the ponds for decades without issues. The CLC's policy chair, Chris Hayward, said the consultation showed people want the ponds to remain 'safe, respectful and inclusive'. He emphasised that the Supreme Court judgment did not require all trans-inclusive services to become single-sex.
