LGBTQ+ charities welcome decision to keep Hampstead Heath ponds trans inclusive

LGBTQ+ charities have praised the decision to allow Hampstead Heath ponds to remain trans-inclusive.

Kenwood women’s pools and Highgate men’s pools will continue to allow transgender men and women to swim in their waters, following feedback from users.

A public consultation with 38,000 participants found that 86 per cent were in favor of maintaining existing “trans-inclusive” regulations.

Alex Matheson, inclusion director at the LGBT Foundation, said the decision sent a “strong message” at a time when transgender communities “often face scrutiny and exclusion”.

He added: “Places like the ponds of Hampstead Heath are valuable community spaces where people can feel safe, be with friends and enjoy being themselves. We hope this decision sets a clear precedent for the future of public spaces in the UK and offers many people a much-needed moment of hope.”

The City of London Corporation (CLC), which manages the ponds, reviewed its policy following the high court’s decision in April 2025 that the legal definition of woman is based on biological sex.

In addition to two pools separated by gender, where transgender individuals can swim wherever they feel most comfortable, there is also a mixed pool.

Changes and improvements have also been made to add more private cabins as part of improvements to toilet and shower facilities at the pools.

Dani, managing director of Not A Phase. St James said: “Access to public spaces, recreational facilities and opportunities to connect with nature are important contributions to health, wellbeing and community belonging.

“For trans+ people, being able to participate in these spaces safely and authentically can have a significant positive impact, as we see every day in our free fitness classes for the trans+ community.

“At a time when trans+ communities are facing increasing scrutiny and exclusion from many areas of public life, it is encouraging to see a decision based on participation and evidence whilst highlighting the overwhelming acceptance of trans+ people within the Hampstead Heath pools community.”

The decision means men’s and women’s pools will not be considered single-sex spaces under the Equality Act.

Much-anticipated guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), published by the government last month, confirmed that single-sex services should be based on biological sex.

In March, gender critical campaign group Sex Matters won an appeal court application to continue a legal challenge over the swimming pools’ access policy, claiming it discriminated against women.

City of London Corporation head of policy Chris Hayward said the results of the consultation showed participants wanted the ponds to “remain safe, respectful and inclusive”.

He said: “It’s clear how important these swimming pools are to the swimming community here. Many people have told us how much they appreciate 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.

“While the Supreme Court decision confirmed the legal definition of ‘gender’, it did not rule that all trans-inclusive services must become single-gender services.

“We have continued to listen and seek detailed legal advice throughout this process. The approach agreed today preserves the character and unique spirit of the ponds, whilst ensuring they are welcoming to all.”

Fiona McAnena, campaign director at Sex Matters, said: Times: “Members of the City of London Corporation voted today to unlawfully discriminate against and harass women who use the Ladies’ Pond.

“The clue is in the name: Female users don’t expect to encounter bikini-clad, sometimes even naked, men in the Ladies’ Pond showers, but the City of London Corporation confirms this.

“The whole policy is an unlawful mess and it is a disgrace that London councilors think they can break the law and destroy the rights and dignity of the women and girls who use the Ladies Pond in the process.”