Hampstead Heath imposes fines, arrests for illegal swimming during heatwave

During a May heatwave with temperatures reaching 35 °C, many Londoners entered ponds on Hampstead Heath that are not designated for swimming. Video footage showed swimmers disturbing nesting swans and ducks, with one person almost climbing onto a swan's nest. The City of London Corporation, which manages the park, labeled the behaviour “utterly appalling” and warned that breaching the byelaws could lead to fines or arrest. Alderman Gregory Jones KC reiterated that swimming is only permitted in the Mixed, Ladies’ and Men’s ponds for safety and wildlife protection. The wildlife group Swans of Hampstead Heath noted that swans have nested in the ponds for the first time in years, raising concerns for the newly hatched cygnets. Enforcement actions are being considered to deter further illegal swimming and protect the park’s fragile ecosystem.