Hampstead Heath’s Bathing Ponds to remain trans inclusive spaces as City Corporation agrees future access policy

Hampstead Heath’s Bathing Ponds will continue to operate as trans inclusive spaces under a future access policy agreed by elected Members of the City of London Corporation today.

It means that ALL women will continue to use the Kenwood Ladies’ Pond, and ALL men will continue to use the Highgate Men’s Pond. The Hampstead Mixed Pond is open to everyone. 

This marks a continuation of access arrangements that have successfully been in place for a number of years.

The decision follows an extensive public consultation, in which more than 38,000 respondents took part. A clear majority (86%) favoured retaining the Ponds’ existing trans inclusive arrangements. Feedback from independently run focus groups involving regular pond users supported the same approach.

The decision-making process followed the City Corporation’s formal governance arrangements, including input from the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee, which represents local stakeholder groups and organisations with an interest in the Heath.

Members of the City Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood & Queen’s Park Committee, and Policy & Resources Committee, carefully considered the consultation findings alongside their legal duties, equality impact assessments, safeguarding responsibilities, and operational requirements.

They also agreed to a series of improvements across all three Bathing Ponds, including upgrades to toilet and shower facilities. The proposed changes would enhance the visitor experience and provide greater privacy for swimmers through the addition of more private cubicles.

Chris Hayward, City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, said: “It’s clear how much these Bathing Ponds mean to the communities who swim here. Many people told us how they value them as calm, safe and welcoming spaces with a strong sense of inclusion and belonging.

“Although our consultation was never a referendum, the message from regular swimmers and the wider community was clear – people want these Ponds to remain safe, respectful and inclusive. 

“Whilst the Supreme Court judgment confirmed the legal definition of ‘sex’, it did not decide that all trans inclusive services must become single-sex services. 

“We have continued to listen and take detailed legal advice throughout this process. The approach agreed today protects the character and unique spirit of the Ponds while ensuring they remain welcoming to all.”

The City of London Corporation manages Hampstead Heath as a registered charity, at no cost to council taxpayers, investing nearly £12million of its own funds in the last financial year.

It is a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation and forms part of the 11,000 acres of open space owned and protected by the City Corporation across London and southeast England.

It attracts around 8.1 million visits every year and has won a Green Flag Award every year since 1997.