Campaigners are planning a protest to “reclaim” a women’s swimming pond on Hampstead Heath amid a row over access for transgender women.

Transgender women, including men identifying as women, have been allowed to use the Kenwood Ladies Pond since 2010.

A member of the Kenwood Ladies Pond Association (KLPA) proposed changing the group’s constitution ahead of its AGM in March “so that only those born female in sex can use the pond”.

That bid was defeated when some three quarters of around 200 people who voted at the AGM chose to continue allowing trans women to swim at the pond.

Now a protest against the decision, described as a live performance, is planned to take place on July 28.

Ham & High: High summer queue to swim in the Kenwood Ladies Pond in Hampstead HeathHigh summer queue to swim in the Kenwood Ladies Pond in Hampstead Heath (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

Angela Wild, who describes herself as a political artist and radical feminist, is co-organising the event with Michelle Liverbird, stating that “no man is a woman”.

The organiser wrote in a GoFundMe: “The Ladies Pond exists for women’s enjoyment, safely and away from the male gaze.

“The Ladies Pond does not exist to fulfil male sexual fantasies or for men’s gender validation.”  

The two plan to hold a symbolic line around the pond and meadow, which they say will make the area “truly woman-only”.

A target of £1,300 in donations has been set for the protest.

Ham & High: Entrance to Kenwood Ladies Pond which states 'women only'Entrance to Kenwood Ladies Pond which states 'women only' (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation, which manages policy and practice at all Hampstead Heath swimming ponds, said: “We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.

“Our gender identity policy ensures that in line with legislation, our services do not discriminate against trans people.

“We welcome and support a wide range of service users, and we want to ensure they all feel comfortable accessing and enjoying the bathing ponds and other facilities.

“All communities should be fully respected.

“We aspire to be a leader in equity, equality, diversity and inclusion, and we are committed to supporting a strong, sustainable and inclusive society in the capital and beyond.”

The KLPA responded: “The Ladies’ Pond has always been and remains a women-only space. There is no need for anyone to ‘reclaim it'.”