Trans led group seeks permission to intervene in decision to allow trans people to use Hampstead Heath men’s and ladies’ bathing ponds

The judicial review of the bathing ponds' access policy is part of a legal challenge being brought by the group Sex Matters which opposes trans men using the men’s ponds, and trans women using the ladies’ ponds.

In June this year, the CLC, which manages the ponds, made the decision to keep both the men's and ladies' bathing ponds trans-inclusive after carrying out a public consultation in which 86% of respondents said they favoured retaining the ponds’ existing arrangements. The CLC had reviewed and consulted on its policy in response to the Supreme Court’s For Women Scotland ruling in April 2025.

The decision means trans women can continue to swim in the women’s pond and trans men can continue to swim in the men’s pond, as well as use the Heath’s mixed-gender pond. The judicial review being brought by Sex Matters seeks a declaration from the High Court that such arrangements are unlawful.

TransLucent, which has been described by the Equality and Human Rights Commission as a "key stakeholder” in discussions on transgender rights, says it is seeking permission to intervene in the judicial review so the High Court can hear directly from the trans people who will be affected by the policy, and to address points of principle likely to be of wider importance beyond this case.

TransLucent is represented by solicitors Ellie Fawcett, Anna Dews and Partner Ricardo Gama of Leigh Day with Hannah Slarks from 11KBW and Crash Krylova (Wigley) from Landmark Chambers instructed as counsel.

Steph Richards, Chair of Directors of TransLucent said:

"This case could have profound implications for the ability of organisations to provide services which are inclusive of trans people, and for the ability of trans people to use facilities like these in their day to day lives in accordance with the gender they live as. 

"Our application includes heartfelt testimony from trans people who use the single-gender bathing ponds regularly and find them to be a place of acceptance and tranquillity that clearly means a great deal to them.

"We are seeking permission to intervene to provide the court with this perspective directly from trans people, both as swimmers who use the ponds and as users of other public facilities where similar issues may arise."

Ellie Fawcett, solicitor at Leigh Day said:

“Too often, issues impacting trans people are debated without hearing from the people most affected. This application is about making sure those voices are before the court. The evidence filed on behalf of TransLucent shows that the Hampstead ponds are more than a place to swim; they are a place of community, belonging and wellbeing.

“The outcome of this case could have implications far beyond the ponds, affecting how trans people are able to access services and participate in public life across the UK. We hope that by hearing directly from trans people, the Court will have the fullest possible picture of what is at stake in this case.”