It is not only on Hampstead Heath that access to open water swimming is being restricted.
Grantchester Meadows in Cambridge, which features in the KLPA book “Wild Swimming Walks” has been used to access swimming in the River Cam for centuries. Famous swimmers here include Lord Byron, Virginia Woolf and Rupert Brooke.
The land is owned by King’s College Cambridge, which is now seeking to ban swimming and other popular activities here. The reasons given include health and safety as well as public order.
A petition seeking to “Keep access to the river at Grantchester Meadows open to all” has been launched on Change.org here. Already there are over 17,000 signatures.
Further coverage can be seen here (Guardian, no paywall) and here (Telegraph, paywall). Local press coverage includes details of a spoof letter purporting to be from the college here.
This is a valuable open space for the people of Cambridge, not only those linked to the university. Please show solidarity and support this campaign for inclusive access to open water swimming.