Crackdown on ‘selfish’ sunseekers: Hampstead Heath rangers install ‘no swimming’ signs after crowds ignore bird pond ban to take a dip during heatwave

Hampstead Heath park rangers were seen installing ‘no swimming’ signs at the bird sanctuary pond in a bid to stop ‘selfish’ sunbathers from disturbing wildlife.

Dozens of revelers were filmed this week splashing, carelessly throwing balls and doing somersaults at the Model Boat Pond, which is supposed to be a safe haven for nesting birds.

Angry locals said the park, surrounded by homes worth millions, had become a ‘party destination’ as temperatures soared above 30C across the country.

Young people stayed out “playing music” until 2am on Tuesday after residents complained that swimmers “showed no interest” in the ducks and swans that live in the water.

And, despite facing a huge wave of backlash, sun dwellers were once again seen ignoring rangers as they dipped their toes in the ‘no swimming zone’ today.

Two workers, both wearing green uniforms, were seen ordering people out of the water before erecting a new sign reading ‘DANGER: No swimming, no diving’.

The Hampstead Heath hotspot was turned into a sanctuary for birds and swans just weeks ago as part of a scheme backed by £50,000 of public funding.

One disgruntled walker who decided to film the disruptive swimmers said: ‘The protected habitat, funded by public donations, is now being used as a swimming and party venue.

Dozens of revelers descended on the park’s Model Boat Pond this week, and they continue to do so today.

Rangers were seen ordering people out of the water where ducks and swans live.

A flock of ducks is seen perched on an inflatable boat on Hampstead Heath as swimmers bathe in the background

‘Many people have donated, believing they are helping to create a safer environment for wildlife. Instead, the continued lack of enforcement allowed repeated disturbances to continue. COL is fully aware of the problem; The question is why so little has been done to stop it.’

Meanwhile, Josephine McCarthy, who lives near Highgate, told the Daily Mail she was part of a group of locals who begged swimmers to leave the swans and ducks alone.

This comes after video footage showed swimmers kicking a group of ducks off an inflatable platform before wading through the water and following them to a secluded area at the back of the pool.

Ms McCarthy was furious: ‘What they did to the wildlife lake is absolutely appalling. ‘They’re violating absolutely everything that’s supposed to happen and it’s very sad.’

‘They go into the water wearing sunscreen, which is very dangerous for wildlife.

‘Everyone is so angry, we are literally crying in the street.

Ms McCarthy also took aim at the City of London Corporation (COL), accusing the authority of ‘allowing’ one of London’s most beautiful parks to become a party venue.

He said: ‘The City of London Corporation is supposed to be running this, but if they can’t even protect wildlife then what are they doing with their funds?’

The Colonel responded: ”The recent behavior of some visitors swimming in ponds without lifeguards is absolutely appalling.

‘For safety reasons, swimming is only allowed in the Mixed, Ladies and Men’s Pools.

‘Entering other bodies of water where lifeguards are not present is extremely dangerous, contrary to our regulations, and causes serious damage to wildlife habitats.

‘We always try to contact visitors first, but the Police Service will take enforcement measures where necessary, including issuing fines or arrests.’

The RSPB told the Daily Mail that this was ‘a very important time of year for raising birds that just want to nest and care for their young in peace’.

“As well as the dangers of swimming in unauthorized areas, there is also a risk of disturbing wildlife,” a spokesman for the charity said.

‘Many species are already under great pressure and disturbance can cause a parent to abandon the nest, putting eggs and chicks at risk.

It comes after swimmers were seen splashing and carelessly throwing balls near local wildlife.

In one incident, a group of girls threw a flock of fuckers from an inflatable toy while others followed the birds to a secluded area behind a pond.

Locals said the park had ‘become a party venue’ and accused authorities of allowing it

‘Everyone has a part to play in protecting nature, so we’re urging people to be responsible and give birds and other wildlife plenty of space outdoors this summer.’

Andrew Knight, a veterinary professor of animal welfare, also lined up after watching clips of swimmers wreaking havoc.

In a post on Facebook he said: ‘Hundreds of people. A protected London pond. It’s the peak of nesting season. Ducks, swans, 12-day-old cygnets.

‘And yet… splash splash splash.

Locals are furious after heatwave enthusiasts turned Hampstead Heath into a beach club.

‘Right now the birds are still raising their young. Nesting season isn’t over yet. Disturbances from swimmers (splash, noise, dogs, and crowding near nesting sites) can cause parent birds to abandon nests or leave chicks defenseless.

‘There is no punishment. There are no sanctions. The same people who came back as soon as the officers left.

‘The uncomfortable question no one wants to ask is: Have we become so addicted to our own pleasure that we’ve stopped noticing that we’re the problem?

Because “I didn’t know” doesn’t work anymore.

‘The signs are there. The nesting season is the same every year. And “everyone was doing it” is a confession, not a defense.

‘We expect nature to be resilient. But resilience is not a free pass for selfishness. Is my brief pleasure more valuable than the life of a bird?

‘The heath is a home for wildlife, they came here first.’

This comes as Brits across the country flock to beaches, ponds and rivers as temperatures soar to record levels.

Groups of youths caused widespread disorder in Bournemouth, with gangs and officers on the beach breaking up crowds of teenagers by pelting them with glass bottles.

Elsewhere, visitors looking to make the most of the 35-degree heatwave have been accused of leaving behind mountains of rubbish, blocking access to emergency vehicles and wading in areas where swimming is prohibited.

Footage has also emerged of emergency vehicles trying to get through parking congestion in Formby, with a farmer taking desperate measures after motorists defied warnings to park on private land.

Locals have scolded tourists on social media for leaving piles of rubbish behind at sunbathing spots and beaches, including Bournemouth and Barry Island in Wales.

Meanwhile, some councils have had to call in extra staff to clear litter left behind by those looking to get a quick tan, while others have issued thousands of parking fines to those rushing to the seaside in just a few days.

Thousands of Brits flocked to the beach this week – but this has led to a rise in anti-social behavior and left emergency services in a bind (A woman appears to have been arrested in Bournemouth this week)

Another woman was seen being dragged away from Bournemouth beach on Wednesday.

This all comes after days of warnings about the risks of record-breaking heat this week; Ten swimmers have so far been confirmed to have died after falling into distress.

There were days of mayhem in Bournemouth, which resulted in police being pelted with glass bottles as they tried to break up a gang of teenagers in the Dorset town.

Matters escalated further on Tuesday night when three police officers were injured by missiles, including glass bottles, thrown at them by a crowd of more than 100 youths. On the same evening, 3 people were arrested for possession of an offensive weapon and fighting.

In response, a dozen police officers patrolled the area around Victoria Pier yesterday, issuing distribution warrants and confiscating alcohol from underage drinkers.

Several people were arrested by officers, including two girls who were no older than 15 years old. It was reported that some of those gathered shouted and swore at the officers, while others broke glass bottles next to them.

Police said they would not tolerate acts of violence and disorder and would increase their presence on the seafront during the semester break.