Park rangers at Hampstead Heath have been observed installing 'no swimming' signs at a bird sanctuary pond in a desperate attempt to prevent 'selfish' sunseekers from disturbing wildlife.
Dozens of revellers were filmed splashing, carelessly throwing balls, and performing somersaults at the Model Boating Pond this week, which is meant to serve as a safe haven for nesting birds. Furious locals claim the park, surrounded by multi-million-pound homes, has become a 'party destination' as temperatures soared above 30C across the country.
Youths reportedly stayed out with music blasting until as late as 2am on Tuesday, after residents complained that swimmers showed 'no consideration' for the ducks and swans inhabiting the water. Despite facing a huge wave of backlash, sunbathers were once again spotted ignoring rangers today while dipping their toes in the 'no swimming zone'.
Two workers, both dressed in green uniforms, were seen ordering people out of the water before constructing a new sign reading: 'DANGER: No swimming, no diving.' The Hampstead Heath hotspot had been designated a sanctuary for birds and swans just weeks ago as part of a scheme backed by £50,000 in public funding.
One disgruntled walker, who filmed the nuisance swimmers, said: 'The protected habitat, funded by public donations, is now being used as a swimming and party destination. Many people donated believing they were helping to create a safer environment for wildlife. Instead, the ongoing lack of enforcement has allowed repeated disturbance to continue. The City of London Corporation is fully aware of the problem; the question is why so little is being done to stop it.'
Josephine McCarthy, who lives in nearby Highgate, told the Daily Mail she had been part of a group of locals who resorted to begging swimmers to leave swans and ducks alone. This came after video footage showed swimmers kicking a group of ducks off an inflatable before wading through water to follow them to a secluded area at the back of the pond.
Ms McCarthy fumed: 'It's absolutely terrible what they're doing in the wildlife lake. They are violating absolutely everything it's supposed to be, and it's so upsetting.' She said that swans had been abandoning their cygnets in the last few days after being frightened off by swimmers. 'They've been going in the water with sun cream on, which is so dangerous for the wildlife,' she added. 'Everybody is absolutely furious; we've been literally crying in the street.'
Ms McCarthy also took aim at the City of London Corporation (COL), accusing the authority of 'letting' one of London's most pleasant parks become a party destination. She said: 'The City of London Corporation is supposed to be managing it, but if they can't even protect the wildlife, then what are they doing with their funding?'
The COL responded: 'The recent conduct of some visitors swimming in non-lifeguarded ponds is utterly appalling. Swimming is only permitted in the Mixed, Ladies' and Men's Ponds for safety reasons. Entering other non-lifeguarded water bodies is extremely dangerous, against our byelaws, and causes significant harm to wildlife habitats. We always seek to engage with visitors first, but the Constabulary will take enforcement action where necessary, including issuing fines or making arrests.'
The RSPB told the Daily Mail it was 'a crucial time of year for breeding birds which just want to nest and care for their young in peace'. A spokesperson said: 'Along with the dangers of swimming in unauthorised places, there is a significant risk of disturbing wildlife. Many species are already under huge pressure, and disturbance can make a parent abandon their nest, putting eggs and chicks at risk. Everyone has a part to play in protecting nature, so we'd urge people to be responsible and give birds and other wildlife plenty of space when outdoors this summer.'
Andrew Knight, a veterinary professor of animal welfare, also weighed in after viewing clips of the swimmers causing havoc. He posted on Facebook: 'Hundreds of people. One protected London pond. Peak nesting season. Ducks, swans, 12-day-old cygnets. And yet… splash splash splash. Locals are furious after heatwave revellers turned Hampstead Heath into a beach club. Right now, birds are still raising their young. Nesting season isn't over. Disturbance from swimmers - splashing, noise, dogs, and crowding near nesting sites - can cause parent birds to abandon nests or leave chicks vulnerable. No fines. No enforcement. Just the same people hopping back in the moment officers leave. Here's the uncomfortable question nobody wants to ask: Are we so addicted to our own enjoyment that we've stopped noticing when we're the problem? Because "I didn't know" doesn't work anymore. The signs are there. The nesting season is the same every year. And "everyone else was doing it" isn't a defence—it's a confession. We expect nature to be resilient. But resilience isn't a free pass for selfishness. Is my brief pleasure worth more than a bird's life? The heath is a home for wildlife; they were here first.'
It came as Brits across the country descended on beaches, ponds, and rivers as temperatures soared to record levels. Groups of young people caused widespread disorder in Bournemouth, with mobs on the beach and officers dispersing crowds of teenagers while being pelted with glass bottles. Elsewhere, visitors looking to make the most of the 35C heatwave have been accused of leaving behind mountains of rubbish, blocking access for emergency service vehicles, and taking a dip in areas where swimming is banned.
Footage also emerged of emergency service vehicles struggling to make their way through parking gridlock in Formby, and one farmer took desperate measures after drivers defied his warnings to park on private land. Locals took to social media to lambast tourists who left behind mounds of litter at sunbathing spots and beaches, including in Bournemouth and Barry Island in Wales. Meanwhile, some councils were forced to call in extra staff to clear the rubbish left behind by those looking for a quick tan, while others handed out thousands of parking fines in just days to those rushing to the seaside.
This all comes after days of warnings about the risks of the record-breaking heat, with ten swimmers so far confirmed to have died after getting into difficulty. There have been days of disorder in Bournemouth, culminating in police being pelted with glass bottles as they attempted to break up mobs of youths in the Dorset town. Matters escalated on Tuesday night when three officers were injured by missiles, including glass bottles, thrown at them by a mob of more than 100 youths. Three people were arrested that evening for offences of possession of an offensive weapon and affray. In response, a dozen officers patrolled the area around the Victorian pier yesterday, issuing dispersal orders and confiscating alcohol from possible underage drinkers. Several people were arrested, including two girls who appeared to be no older than 15. Some of those gathered could be heard shouting and swearing at officers, while others reportedly smashed glass bottles next to them. Police said they would not tolerate acts of violence and disorder and would retain an increased presence at the seafront over the half-term holiday.
