Amid a persistent heatwave gripping the UK, large groups of swimmers at Hampstead Heath have been criticized for disturbing swans and their young during a sensitive breeding season. Temperatures overnight on Tuesday set a new national record for a third consecutive night, with the mercury remaining above 21.4°C in Camborne, Cornwall, prompting many to seek relief in open water.

Hampstead Heath, located in north London, features around 30 ponds, but only three are designated swimming areas. Despite clear signage prohibiting swimming in several ponds, multiple instances of visitors ignoring the rules have been reported. Video footage shared by a local wildlife observer shows people sitting on nests, swimming near “no swimming” signs, and allowing dogs—also banned in the water—to paddle through the ponds. In particular, a family of swans with recently hatched cygnets was seen retreating from the disturbance, while an unhatched egg floated nearby.

A witness noted that police occasionally intervene, instructing swimmers to vacate the ponds, but said swimmers often return once officers leave. Observers and local visitors expressed mixed views. Lisa Bradley, who was sunbathing on the heath, described the swimmers’ behavior as “ignorant,” underscoring the area’s status as a protected wildlife sanctuary. She emphasized the availability of designated swimming options, including the lido. Conversely, some swimmers defended their actions, with one stating the desire to share water-based leisure with friends amid broader global concerns, and another lamenting the cost of access to formal swimming facilities.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) highlighted the significance of spring as a vital period for breeding birds, urging the public to act responsibly outdoors to avoid disrupting vulnerable wildlife.

The busy bank holiday weekend saw queues of 30 to 40 minutes at the lawful swimming locations on the heath, possibly motivating swimmers to use the wildlife ponds despite restrictions. Additionally, police reportedly handled a separate incident at the Parliament Hill lido earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, an escalating toll from the hot weather has raised safety alarms nationwide. Nine people, including seven teenagers, died in water-related incidents, including the recovery of a 12-year-old boy’s body from a river in Lancashire on Tuesday. Authorities have issued warnings urging caution to those entering natural waters during the heatwave.

The City of London Corporation, which manages Hampstead Heath, was approached for comment regarding the disturbances and ongoing enforcement efforts.