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!

 

 

[chickenslegs]

Not Hampstead Heath, but relevant ...

 

The famous story goes that when Winston Churchill was Prime Minister, he was woken one freezing February morning by a Downing Street aide bearing the shocking news that a male Tory MP had been caught having sex with a naked guardsman in St James’s Park.

Noting that it had been the coldest night of the winter, Churchill is said to have remarked: ‘Makes you proud to be British.’

[Purdey]

So heterosexual copulation is allowed too? Bring out the big guns! 

[Watawattana]

2 hours ago, Purdey said:

So heterosexual copulation is allowed too? Bring out the big guns! 

The Police would probably be told to clamp down on that long before the gay stuff.

[JonnyF]

2 hours ago, Purdey said:

So heterosexual copulation is allowed too?

 

No, Britain has a 2 tier justice system. From the police through to the courts and probably the jails as well. 

 

If this was hetero sex between a couple of indigenous working class chavs they'd be arrested and charged immediately.

 

Can't be upsetting the minorities. No No No.... that simply wouldn't do.

[AnnaBanana]

8 hours ago, impulse said:

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.

 

"Sniffies"... that sounds more like what the dog walkers would be dealing with.

[NE1]

I recognise a few of them. 
Ben Dover , Gerald Fitzpatrick, Patrick Fitzgerald , Phil Macrackin.........😀

[johng]

7 minutes ago, NE1 said:

Ben Dover

 

The very famous UK porn star !!   alas I think my VHS tapes have perished.

[Chomper Higgot]

I hear the practice of ‘Dogging’ requires and is indeed performed for the benefit of a passively participating audience.

 

Why, I wonder, was the term ‘dogging chosen’?

 

Perhaps it tells us something characteristic of the eager audience.

 

 

[Patong2021]

I sincerely doubt that this has any support in the LGBQT etc community. Putting aside the creepiness of these people, the reality is that those hookup places are places where people get  mugged or and sexually assaulted.  Every gay counseling group advises of  the risk of visiting such places, even in pairs.

There may have been a time when there was no option for meet and greets, but London has many, many places where people can hook up. There is no need for anyone to be making a spectacle in a park.  No one wants the junkies  who leave their needles, or the hookers  who or heterosexuals who leave their condoms, so why do they want special treatment?

[Chomper Higgot]

2 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

I sincerely doubt that this has any support in the LGBQT etc community. Putting aside the creepiness of these people, the reality is that those hookup places are places where people get  mugged or and sexually assaulted.  Every gay counseling group advises of  the risk of visiting such places, even in pairs.

There may have been a time when there was no option for meet and greets, but London has many, many places where people can hook up. There is no need for anyone to be making a spectacle in a park.  No one wants the junkies  who leave their needles, or the hookers  who or heterosexuals who leave their condoms, so why do they want special treatment?

“Every gay counseling group advises of  the risk of visiting such places, even in pairs.”

 

One of the best things about this forum is the opportunity to learn something new almost every day, often from people with real life experience in the subject t under discussion.

 

 

[Patong2021]

15 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

“Every gay counseling group advises of  the risk of visiting such places, even in pairs.”

 

One of the best things about this forum is the opportunity to learn something new almost every day, often from people with real life experience in the subject t under discussion.

 

 

 

There is a difference between cruising and  engaging in hookups in places that can result in physical harm.  That was my intent. I invite you to visit some of the gay support websites and see for yourself.  The support groups all urge caution  and that there are inherent risks from homophobic assaults, to opportunistic  muggers to sexual assault.

 

Here is an example, in the event that you are considering cruising in a public park;

 

Leave valuables at home

You won’t need your credit cards or a lot of cash. If you take your phone, put it in silent mode and keep it out of sight. Don’t walk around checking Grindr on your new smartphone. Not only will you be advertising it to potential pickpockets, but you may not notice if guys are cruising you.

Keep clear of trouble

There may be occasions when you need to refuse unwanted advances or find yourself in a difficult situation. Try to avoid confrontation, but be prepared to raise your voice or push someone away if they continue trying to do something after you’ve said no. If you’re the victim of a crime, like theft, assault or homophobic abuse, or if you witness something happening, you might feel reluctant to go to the police in case you get asked why you were there.

 

 

 

[Baht Simpson]

"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."  

 

This is not a case of people walking their dog seeing men have sex, it's a carefully orchestrated campaign by the Family Education Trust, a virulently anti-LGBTQ+ group, who campaign against the queer community. 

 

"Family Education Trust (FET) is a campaign group opposing the rights of LGBTQ+ people, especially those of transgender people. The group opposes LGBTQ+ education in schools and argues in favour of discriminating against same-sex couples in terms of adoption and access to care. FET supports legislation requiring teachers to “out” trans children to their parents and wants discrimination on the basis of gender identity to not be a hate crime.

 

The group’s leadership has praised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. In 2022, the group promoted the anti-Drag Queen Story Hour campaign. The far-right priest Calvin Robinson spoke at a FET event in 2024."

 

Their agenda is to oppose gay rights under the guise of family. Calvin Robinson, the far-right pseudo priest is a fan and has spoken on their behalf. 

 

Source of quotes: https://hopenothate.org.uk/case-files-family-education-trust/

 

Whatever your views on this don't be fooled by these people and the Daily Mail.

[Baht Simpson]

8 hours ago, JonnyF said:

If this was hetero sex between a couple of indigenous working class chavs they'd be arrested and charged immediately.

 

Can't be upsetting the minorities. No No No.... that simply wouldn't do.

There was a famous dogging site for straights near where I used to live.  I imagine it's still there, so your point is incorrect. You're also assuming that all gays who go to Hampstead Heath have sex. They do not.

[Bday Prang]

6 minutes ago, Baht Simpson said:

You're also assuming that all gays who go to Hampstead Heath have sex. They do not.

so what do they go for?  to walk their dogs?     get real

[Baht Simpson]

1 hour ago, Patong2021 said:

I sincerely doubt that this has any support in the LGBQT etc community. Putting aside the creepiness of these people, the reality is that those hookup places are places where people get  mugged or and sexually assaulted.  Every gay counseling group advises of  the risk of visiting such places, even in pairs.

There may have been a time when there was no option for meet and greets, but London has many, many places where people can hook up. There is no need for anyone to be making a spectacle in a park.  No one wants the junkies  who leave their needles, or the hookers  who or heterosexuals who leave their condoms, so why do they want special treatment?

There are a number of instances where people who have met on dating sites come to harm,or are killed, including Grindr. The first advice given is always to meet in a public place. Plus, most are there for company, or hookups, not always sex. 

[Baht Simpson]

6 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

so what do they go for?  to walk their dogs?     get real

Some go for sex, some go to hook up, some just for company. Read some Derek Jarman.

[Bday Prang]

3 hours ago, johng said:

 

The very famous UK porn star !!   alas I think my VHS tapes have perished.

he was more than a porn star he was a producer too some of his videos were hilarious. Later he became very litigious in an attempt to protect his production style from being copied

[BangkokReady]

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Why, I wonder, was the term ‘dogging chosen’?

 

Dogging was coined because gay men when discovered would simply say they were looking for their lost dog.

 

Cottaging is due to the old public toilets that gay men used to meet in resemble(d) cottages.

[Baht Simpson]

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

I hear the practice of ‘Dogging’ requires and is indeed performed for the benefit of a passively participating audience.

 

Why, I wonder, was the term ‘dogging chosen’?

 

Perhaps it tells us something characteristic of the eager audience.

 

 

Terminology

[edit]

The Sunday Herald of Scotland wrote in 2003, "The term dogging originated in the early 1970s to describe men who spied on couples having sex outdoors—these men would 'dog' the couples' every move and watch them."^[13] An alternative etymology posits dog walking as the origin of the term; audience members, and indeed participants, could use the ordinary exercise of their pets as cover for their sexual assignations.^[1]

[proton]

Why can't they keep it at home?

[Bday Prang]

8 hours ago, proton said:

Why can't they keep it at home?

exactly my thoughts, its good enough for (most) straight people. So  why do they feel that the laws of common decency do not apply to them?

[Chomper Higgot]

8 hours ago, proton said:

Why can't they keep it at home?

Probably for the same reason not all heterosexual couples ‘keep it at home’.