03-07-2025
Wimbledon tennis fans ‘defecating in woods near queue'
Wimbledon fans are defecating and urinating in nearby woodland as crowds queue overnight for tickets to the tournament, it has been claimed.
Simon Wright, a member of Save Wimbledon Park, said areas of the historic parkland – particularly in Horse Close Wood, a secluded section of the park formerly known as Piggy Woods – are being used by some in the queue as makeshift lavatories.
The Piggy Woods nickname dates back to the Second World War, when residents kept pigs there as part of the wartime food effort.
Mr Wright, 68, said: 'We've come across used tissues – it's clear what they've been used for. Human faeces are far worse than animal faeces in terms of the microbiological load they carry.'
He said the problem was especially bad in the oldest part of the woods, adding: 'There's a postcard-sized notice saying please respect these woods – it's a bit mealy-mouthed. Last night, I met three guys heading off there to have a p---.'
Mr Wright, who lives near the park, claimed children had come into contact with human faeces while playing in the area.
He described the problem as both a health risk and a sign of growing pressure on the park from the size of the Wimbledon queue.
