Swimmers urged to keep out of Hampstead Heath pond to protect nesting swans

Dozens of people swam in a nature pond on Hampstead Heath despite signs warning against swimming in a wildlife conservation area. Swans and their 12-day-old cygnets were disturbed by splashing in record 35C temperatures, and other birds such as coots and moorhens were seen guarding eggs and young. A video showed a swan poking an unhatched egg after it fell into the water during the chaos. Conservation groups expressed dismay, noting that disturbance can cause parents to abandon nests, putting eggs and chicks at risk. Hot weather drove more people to cool off in outdoor water sources, including unauthorised areas. Bird charities urged swimming only in authorised, lifeguarded spaces to protect breeding birds and wildlife.

"Nature groups have pleaded with swimmers to give wildlife a wide berth after dozens of people swam in a nature pond on Hampstead Heath among nests of baby birds. Swans and their 12-day-old cygnets were disturbed by hordes of splashing revellers in the north London park on Monday as London reached record 35C temperatures. In one video, a swan was seen poking an unhatched egg with its beak after it fell into the water during the chaos."

"Coots, moorhens and swans were seen guarding their eggs and young as people obliviously splashed around them. There are large signs around the pond urging people not to swim as it is a wildlife conservation area. The unseasonably hot weather has meant that people have been going into water sources en masse to cool off. This has coincided with nesting season for water birds."

"The RSPB said it is a crucial time of year for breeding birds which just want to nest and care for their young in peace. The bird charity urged people to swim in authorised, lifeguarded spaces rather than nature reserves. 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, it said. Swans of Hampstead Heath, the Instagram account that raised the alarm about the birds, posted: We are currently in peak nesting season. There are still eggs waiting to hatch, ducklings and chicks only days/weeks old, and for the first time in years, swans ha"

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