This Aerial Shot of Westminster Pond Has Londoners Seeing Things They Can’t Unsee

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An aerial photograph of Westminster Pond has locals doing double takes and sparking some hilariously honest conversations online about what the beloved natural area actually looks like from above.

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/u/Cafriu

The image, which shows the pond’s distinctive twin-lobed shape surrounded by lush greenery, has gotten people talking about the geological wonder that sits quietly in London’s landscape. But let’s be real – once you see what everyone else is seeing, you can’t exactly unsee it.

One local couldn’t help but point out the obvious resemblance, noting the ponds look like “testicles.” Another chimed in with an even more creative comparison, saying it looks like “Piggies from angry birds’ nostrils.” The anatomical observations didn’t stop there, with someone else simply commenting “Lungs” – and honestly, we can see that too.

But beyond the playful comparisons, the photo has also reminded Londoners of just how fascinating this spot really is. Westminster Pond – specifically Spettigues Pond, as one knowledgeable local clarified – isn’t just a pretty place for a walk. It’s actually a complex ecosystem with its own boardwalk and small viewing platform visible at about the 2 o’clock position in the aerial shot.

The ponds have been a fishing hotspot for generations, with one person reminiscing about catching “so many sunfish there” in their younger days. It’s one of those places that creates lasting memories – the kind of spot where parents who grew up spending time at the small pond now watch their kids gravitate toward the big one.

What makes Westminster Pond truly mind-blowing though is its origin story. These aren’t just random bodies of water that happened to form – they were carved out by massive chunks of glacial ice thousands of years ago. We’re talking about ice sheets that were 3-4 kilometres thick covering this entire area.

One local put it perfectly: “Always find it fascinating thinking about the massive chunk of ice that made those ponds.” Another added some perspective, noting that “Canada was under like 15-25KM of ice at one point.” The sheer scale of the glacial activity that shaped our landscape is actually insane to think about.

The geological significance hasn’t been lost on everyone either. One person half-jokingly suggested there might be “Mastdon bones in there,” which honestly wouldn’t be that surprising given the area’s ancient history.

Not everyone’s completely thrilled with the current state of the ponds though. Some locals feel the area has unrealized potential, with one person lamenting that while the location is naturally beautiful, it could use some environmental attention. They pointed out that the water quality has declined from what it once was, suggesting the city could do some restoration work to bring it back to its former glory.

The conversation touched on the delicate balance between preservation and accessibility. While some see potential for more parking or development, others clearly value the natural, somewhat wild character that makes Westminster Pond special in the first place.

The ponds continue to be a beloved part of London’s natural landscape, offering both recreational opportunities and a tangible connection to the area’s glacial past. Whether you’re there to fish, walk the boardwalk, or just appreciate the ecosystem, Westminster Pond remains one of those quintessentially London spots that locals hold dear.

The discussion started on Reddit but quickly revealed how many people have their own personal connections to this distinctive natural landmark.