As we head into the busy summer months, it’s a good moment to pause and remember that keeping the Heath special is a shared responsibility.

During the heatwave in May, we had to issue a strong warning following a rise in dangerous swimming in non-lifeguarded ponds, including the Model Boating Pond.

This conduct was utterly appalling and will not be tolerated.

Only this year, £50,000 of generous public donations was spent so we could remove the causeway linking the island to the shore, creating a protected space where birds can rest and nest undisturbed.

Visitors are reminded to only swim in the designated ponds on the Heath (Image: PA)

This is a powerful example of how much people care about the Heath, which is managed by the City of London Corporation as a charity – at no expense to local taxpayers – along with over 11,000 acres of wider green space across London.

Disturbing protected nesting birds causes significant distress and is a criminal offence.

Swimming in these ponds is prohibited and carries a real safety risk – they are not designated for bathing and may contain hidden hazards beneath the surface.

Swimming in non-bathing ponds is a breach of the Heath’s byelaws and may result in fines or even prosecution.

We’ve also seen a worrying rise in incidents involving verbal and physical abuse towards our staff.

It should go without saying that this is unacceptable.

Our teams work hard every day to care for the Heath and support its visitors, and they deserve to feel safe and respected.

While enforcement action will be taken where needed, we’re asking everyone to play their part – follow the rules, look out for one another, and treat staff with courtesy.

Some of you may have also spotted the BBC’s Springwatch filming on the Heath recently, in search of elusive residents like grass snakes and purse web spiders.

Headshot of Alderman Gregory Jones (capless) (Image: City of London Corporation)

They may have evaded the cameras this time, but their presence tells a bigger story…

The Heath is a remarkable patchwork of habitats – woodland, meadows, ponds, and wetlands – all supporting hundreds of species.

It’s this richness that makes the Heath so special, and so worth protecting.

Many of you will also have seen that the Heath’s Bathing Ponds will remain trans-inclusive, following a decision by the City Corporation’s Committees, with input from the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee which represents local group and stakeholders.

This follows a public consultation of more than 38,000 responses, the majority of which supported the current approach.

Improvements to facilities across all ponds have also been agreed upon, enhancing privacy and the overall experience.

By respecting wildlife, staff, and each other this summer, we can keep the Heath safe, welcoming, and thriving – for everyone, now and for many years to come.

Alderman Gregory Jones KC is chair of the City Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and Queen’s Park Committee.