Clash Over Hampstead Heath: Dog Walkers and Gay Activists Battle Over Cruising Grounds

[Social Media]

 

A fierce dispute has erupted over Hampstead Heath as local dog walkers launch a campaign to reclaim a notorious cruising area from gay men who insist the practice is their "cultural right." The controversy has sparked protests, with activists staging a demonstration dubbed the "Sodomites’ March" to defend the historic practice of open-air encounters.  

 

 

Signs recently appeared on the western side of the north London park, urging those seeking sexual encounters to use dating apps like Grindr or Sniffies instead. One poster included a map with a red circle marked “This is not a cruising ground” and encouraged dog walkers and residents to reclaim the area by deliberately walking through it.  

 

 

The signs provoked outrage among activists who argue that cruising has long been a part of LGBTQ+ history and culture. Filmmaker Joseph Wilson captured footage of a protest where gay demonstrators carried signs with slogans such as "Take me to the f*** tree" and "Release the pups." Protest leader Dan Glass defended the demonstration, arguing that the attempt to restrict public cruising is homophobic. "It's saying that queer people can't do what is legally and rightfully theirs, to have public displays of affection," he stated.  

 

 

Social media images from the protest showed men exposing their bottoms while standing near police officers and posing with signs that read, "This is a cruising ground, enjoy yourself." Glass told the *Camden New Journal* that their demonstration involved people walking the perimeter of the so-called "no cruising zone" and included acts of public intimacy as a "display of queer love, intimacy, and affection." He described cruising as a "safe way for sexual exploration" and argued that it offers an alternative to modern dating apps, which he characterized as toxic and limiting.  

 

"Cruising has taken place on the Heath since at least the 19th century and continued right through decriminalisation all the way up to the present day," Glass wrote in one of his posts. "For many, it is still a safe space of sexual exploration, nestled away in nature, a world that exists outside of the toxicity of modern-day apps and sexual categorisation." He further claimed that the tradition has been an "age-old enlightened response to a fascist environment," suggesting that attacks on the practice reflect broader societal repression.  

 

 

The controversy centers on a small section of West Heath, approximately one acre in size, which has been used for cruising for generations. Activists argue that restricting access to this space is unnecessary when the Heath spans nearly 800 acres, allowing dog walkers and families plenty of room to enjoy the park elsewhere.  

 

Legally, the Sexual Offences Act 2003 does not prohibit sex in public spaces unless it is witnessed or there is a reasonable chance of it being seen by the public, which could lead to charges of outraging public decency. The act specifies that the offense must have been observed by at least two people.  

 

Some activists at the protest shared their personal reasons for preferring cruising over conventional dating. One man explained, "You don't always want to go through the bother of going to an app and meeting someone and then facing someone. This is completely instantaneous. It's totally anonymous. A lot of gay men like, for whatever reason, anonymous sex. I've never been ashamed, I'm always proud."  

 

However, the public nature of these encounters has outraged many locals, particularly families who frequent the Heath. Lucy Marsh of the Family Education Trust voiced concerns, stating, "Hampstead Heath is a much-loved public park and a green space that is enjoyed by families, especially those who don't have their own gardens. Parents should be able to enjoy a walk or a picnic without worrying about them seeing gay men having sex in a public place."  

 

She rejected claims that opposition to public cruising was homophobic, adding, "It's not 'bigoted' to believe that people should not be engaging in sexual fetishes in public, especially in a park where children are likely to be present. How have we got to a point in society where these men think it's acceptable not only to openly cruise for sex with strangers but to display their fetishes in the form of a public protest in front of families? We need to bring back the concept of common decency (and shame) as it seems to be missing in those who are promoting this kind of appalling behaviour!"  

 

The City of London Corporation, which manages Hampstead Heath, addressed the controversy by reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the park as a welcoming space for all. A spokesperson stated, "Hampstead Heath is one of London's most cherished green spaces. It is a site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation and home to a rich variety of wildlife and habitats. We manage the Heath as a charity and are committed to balancing conservation, maintaining public access, and the safety of all visitors. We want to ensure it remains a welcoming space for everyone and encourage all visitors to use the Heath respectfully and considerately."  

 

They confirmed that Hampstead Heath Constabulary officers were present at the protest to monitor the situation and ensure public safety. "We are actively taking a partnership-based approach to promote positive behaviour and community safety," the spokesperson added.  

 

As the debate continues, the question remains whether Hampstead Heath can accommodate both its historic status as a cruising ground and the concerns of families and local residents who believe public sexual activity has no place in a shared green space.

 

Based on a report by Daily Mail  2025-03-11

 

 

[Gandtee]

My brain hurts. If they are exposing themselves in a public area, charge them with indecency.

[Stiddle Mump]

Dogs have been traumatised. Many offended. RSPCA should get involved.

[jippytum]

A Few dog walkers with pit bulls would reclain this area toot sweet. 

[Harrisfan]

Build two fenced areas. One for dogs and one for gays. 

[PETERTHEEATER]

This needs to be discussed. Quick,form a circle.

[impulse]

I want to meet the genius who came up with the name "Sniffies".

 

Well, not really.  But the name should say it all.  Grindr was funny enough.

 

[JAG]

It sounds to me that it is turning into a right buggers muddle!

 

Some years ago I was sitting at a cafe in the park. Two chaps walked up and sat down at the counter. One said "shall I push your stool back in?", the other replied "let's see how we get on over lunch first!"