Almost nine in 10 support trans-inclusive swimming at Hampstead Heath ponds.

A City of London Corporation consultation of more than 38,000 people found strong support—around 86–90%—for retaining trans‑inclusive access at Hampstead Heath bathing ponds, and current admission rules will remain while committees review the findings.

A City of London Corporation consultation reported widespread support for keeping trans‑inclusive access at Hampstead Heath bathing ponds. More than 38,000 people took part in the two‑month consultation. The exercise followed a Supreme Court ruling about the wording of the Equality Act 2010. The corporation said it will review responses alongside legal duties and safeguarding responsibilities. Key findings: - Of six options for the Kenwood Ladies, Highgate Men's and Hampstead mixed ponds, the most popular option (reported by 86% of respondents) was retaining the existing trans‑inclusive access arrangements. - Around 86% opposed introducing strict single‑sex access for the ponds. - About 90% of respondents rejected requiring trans swimmers to use separate changing rooms or separate sessions. - Sixty‑six percent opposed making all ponds mixed sex. - The corporation reported that 84% of respondents had swum at the bathing ponds and 74% lived in London. - The City of London Corporation stated current admission rules will remain in place while committees review the consultation results. Summary: The consultation results indicate strong local support for the existing, trans‑inclusive access arrangements at the bathing ponds. The City of London Corporation will present the findings to its committees for review alongside legal duties, equality impact assessments, safeguarding responsibilities and operational factors before making a final decision. Current admission rules will stay in effect during that review.