If you have been on the Heath in the last few weeks, you will have noticed some major changes at Model Boating Pond. The once drained section of Model Boating pond has now been filled with clay as part of the new dam construction. This dam will be 2.5m higher than existing ground level and when finished will look like a grassy slope.
The level of clay rises with each layer
The sheep’s foot roler compacts the clay
The final design will look like the following artists impressions
In the next week, we have to make some changes to the paths around the southern end of the pond to allow work to continue safely. This includes narrowing the path which runs along the causeway between Model Boating Pond and Men’s Bathing Pond. This path will be narrowed to approximately 1.5m from Tuesday, 3 May for a a few months. Cyclists will be asked to dismount while on this norrowed section of path. This narrowing will take place rather than a path closure to minimise disruption to Heath visitors, however there will be a short period (approximately two weeks) when the path will be closed completely.
We will also be diverting the footpath on the south-eastern side of the pond. A temporary path will be laid while work takes place in this location. The wooden stakes in the photo below show the route of this path diversion.
We apologise for any disruption while these changes to the paths take place.
Hampstead Heath Ponds Project 
the artists impression of the Model Boating Pond shows reed beds almost all the way around the pond. Planting of reed beds would constitute a change of use as a model boating pond needs access to all banks to retrieve model boats. Is this correct?
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Gaps have been left in the reeds to allow for angling and model boating.
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I’m concerned about the safety of children wading through the reeds to retrieve boats when they become stuck in the reeds This is why all model boating have low clear banks.
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There have been gaps left in the reeds to allow access to the waterside. The reeds will be fenced (as the current reeds are in the corners of the pond) to stop dogs accessing. These will also provide a safety barrier for children.
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thank you for your reply Jennifer, unfortunately confirming my fears that the pond will no long be a model boating pond. When boats become caught on those fences in the corners (as I’ve seen happen on a few occasions) the only recourse is to enter the water (wade, or swim if too deep for wading) – such a shame to hear of the end of another historic venue.
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We don’t believe it will restrict the use for Model Boating and we spoke to some Model Boaters during the consultation who said that the new design should not have any impact. The east side of the pond is to remain exactly as it is now, with a hard edge and only occasional planting.
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It will restrict the use for the pond for model boating for reason I’ve mentioned.
If you google ‘model boat pond’ how much reeds to do see? https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=model+boat+pond&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiAyZj_3d7MAhWEK8AKHdYCBEoQ_AUICCgC&biw=2556&bih=1315
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