The City of London Corporation (CLC) committees have made a final decision on the trans-inclusive and future-access policy for Hampstead Heath’s Bathing Ponds.
On Thursday (4 June), the corporation concluded that Kenwood Ladies’ Pond and Highgate Men’s Pond will remain trans inclusive. The CLC confirmed that the Hampstead mixed pond is “open to everyone.”
This policy marks a continuation of access arrangements that have been successfully in place for a number of years.
This decision came about due to the gender-critical group Sex Matters campaigning for the CLC to follow the Supreme Court judgement that “sex” refers to biological sex.
Councillors rejected this “strictly single-sex access” bid. Instead, they are maintaining existing rules that the Ladies’ Pond is for use by biological and trans women.
In 2025, Sex Matters began legal proceedings against the City of London Corporation. Their “keep men out of the Ladies’ Pond” campaign set out to challenge the trans-inclusive policy.
Also, the Sex Matters campaign argued that allowing trans people to use facilities of their gender identity was a breach of the Equality Act.
‘The message from regular swimmers and the wider community was clear’
However, a 2025 consultation, with over 38,000 participants, revealed most wanted the existing trans-inclusive arrangements to remain. Just 13% said they wanted the Men’s and Ladies’ ponds to become strictly single-sex spaces.
“A clear majority (86%) favoured retaining the Ponds’ existing trans inclusive arrangements,” the CLC press release outlined.
The decision was made with members of the City Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood & Queen’s Park Committee and Policy & Resources Committee.
Furthermore, the committee agreed on a series of improvements to the pounds, including upgrades to toilet and shower facilities, such as private cubicles.
City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward 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.
“The approach agreed today protects the character and unique spirit of the Ponds while ensuring they remain welcoming to all.”
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