HAMPSTEAD HEATH — Swimmers disturbed nesting swans on Hampstead Heath on Monday, causing an unhatched egg to fall into a pond and prompting Environment ministers Mary Creagh and Emma Hardy to demand action from City of London officials. The incident occurred as London temperatures reached 35°C, drawing crowds to the water despite posted signs prohibiting swimming in the pond, which is designated as a wildlife conservation area.
According to verified reports, swans and their 12-day-old cygnets were disrupted by swimmers, and video footage later circulated on social media showed an adult swan poking the fallen egg with its beak. Other birds, including coots and moorhens, were also observed guarding their eggs and young during the disturbance.
Creagh and Hardy sent a formal letter to Gregory Jones KC, chair of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park committee at the City of London, seeking accountability. "The sight of an adult swan watching an unhatched egg after it fell into the water during the chaos was truly heart-wrenching," Creagh said. She added, "We would be grateful to know what steps are being put in place to prevent such an incident happening again."
The City of London described the incident as "utterly appalling," according to a spokesperson. The disturbance may constitute a violation of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it illegal to deliberately damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while in use or to intentionally take or destroy a wild bird’s egg. Convictions under the law can carry an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison per offense.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) stated that it is a crucial time of year for breeding birds, which need to nest and care for their young undisturbed. The organization urged the public to avoid swimming in nature reserves and instead use authorized, lifeguarded locations.