Concerns Over Sanitation at Wimbledon Championships
Concerns have arisen regarding the behavior of tennis enthusiasts who camp overnight for tickets to the Wimbledon Championships, as reports suggest that some are using nearby woodlands as makeshift restrooms. Local resident and campaigner, Simon Wright, 68, has highlighted issues occurring in Horse Close Wood—historically referred to as “Piggy Woods” during World War II when locals utilized the area to keep pigs for food.
Wright claims that human waste and used tissues have been discovered in the area, raising alarms about hygiene and public health.
“Human faeces pose a far greater microbiological risk than animal droppings,”
he stated, stressing the seriousness of the issue. Furthermore, he pointed out that a small sign urging visitors to “respect the woods” has not deterred offenders from using the forest as a toilet.
“Last night, I encountered three men heading into the woods to relieve themselves,”
Wright recounted.
Impact of Increased Foot Traffic
On Day Four of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, more than 40,000 fans had reportedly queued for tickets, leading to a noticeable increase in foot traffic in the area. A spokesperson for the All England Club stated they were unaware of any specific evidence for the claims made regarding sanitation and added that stewards frequently patrol the park to maintain its condition. They expressed appreciation for the hospitality of locals in Southfields.
Health Implications and Historical Context
Wright, a member of the Save Wimbledon Park group—a body opposing the All England Club’s development plans—stressed the health implications for local children who may have come into contact with the waste. He has previously raised these sanitation issues with his local MP Fleur Anderson and Wandsworth Council officials, particularly after a difficult experience in 2022 when portable toilets were scarce.
Historical context highlights that similar sanitation issues arose ten years ago, specifically noted in a report by the Wimbledon Times in 2015 that documented inadequate toilet facilities leading to human waste in the area. Back then, Merton Council had provided portable toilets and warned of potential prosecution for offenders, while the All England Club condemned the actions of a “very small minority” of fans as “deplorable” and “unacceptable.” The ongoing dispute reflects the growing pressure on local resources amidst the excitement of the famous tennis tournament.
