Ministers urge City of London to act over swimmers in Hampstead Heath wildlife ponds
Summary
Government ministers have asked the City of London to stop people from swimming in a protected pond on Hampstead Heath, after videos showed swimmers disturbing swans and their eggs. The area is a wildlife conservation site, and the disturbance broke laws protecting wild birds and their nests.Key Facts
- Swans and their young were disturbed by many swimmers at Hampstead Heath on a hot day reaching 35°C.
- A swan was seen trying to touch an unhatched egg that fell into the water during the disturbance.
- The City of London called the swimmers’ behavior “utterly appalling.”
- Large signs around the pond warn people not to swim there because it is a wildlife protection area.
- Environment ministers Mary Creagh and Emma Hardy wrote to the City of London asking how they will prevent this from happening again.
- The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it illegal to damage or destroy wild bird nests or eggs, with potential fines and jail time.
- Nature groups like the RSPB said this is an important time for breeding birds and urged swimming only in authorized areas.
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