Hampstead Heath bosses have taken the bait and are set to open up more ponds to fishermen. The City of London Corporation, which manages the Heath, has carried out a survey into fishing which currently takes place in six of the ponds. Corporation bosses h

Hampstead Heath bosses have taken the bait and are set to open up more ponds to fishermen.

The City of London Corporation, which manages the Heath, has carried out a survey into fishing which currently takes place in six of the ponds.

Corporation bosses have recommended that the ban on anglers fishing in ponds when swans are breeding is lifted for a trial period of one year.

Botanist David Bellamy, president of The Hampstead Heath Angling Society (HHAS) which formed last year to stand up for fishing rights on the Heath, said: "Anglers are the eyes and ears of the countryside, the first point of alert when pollution strikes.

"A real angler is a caring ecologist. I am proud to be the president of the Hampstead Heath Angling Society.

"Theirs is a precious oasis of thriving ecology amidst London's urban sprawl. I charge all HHAS members to at all times protect, cherish and care for this unique habitat."

The Heath's consultative committee will vote on the proposals on Monday night.