THERE cannot be a more heart warming sight than watching Hampstead cygnets take their first dip in the Heath ponds that will become their home.

However, it seems that the four newest residents of Highgate pond may have been a little intimidated by the stretch of water, preferring instead to stick close to their mum – using her body as a feathery raft as they enjoyed the spring sunshine.

Heath rangers have warned that dogs should be kept on their leads in restricted areas to protect the fluffy new arrivals.

Pictures by Roman Vester