The Surrey Hills Sheep Parade

The Sheep Parade is an exciting initiative led by the Surrey Hills National Landscape team, in partnership with local sheep farmers. Celebrating the important role sheep play in shaping and maintaining the landscape, the project also promotes responsible dog ownership and encourages visitors to keep dogs on leads around sheep.

A colourful flock of life-sized sheep sculptures, each uniquely decorated by a Surrey artist, will ‘parade’ at locations across the Surrey Hills until autumn 2027. The sheep will then be auctioned in support of charity.

Designed to capture attention and spark conversation, these striking artworks engage local communities and visitors while highlighting an issue that has a very real impact on farmers and animal welfare.

After launching at Denbies Wine Estate on 26 August, the flock spent several weeks there before appearing at the Surrey Hills Wood Fair in Cranleigh on 12 and 13 September. From there, the sheep moved to their next grazing spot along National Cycle Route 22, near Sondes Place Farm, Westcott, Dorking.

We hope you enjoy following the Surrey Hills Sheep Parade! We love seeing your photos with the sheep, but please remember that they are works of art. To help keep them in good condition, please do not climb, sit on or ride them. For your own safety, please take care around the sculptures, as we cannot accept responsibility for any injuries or accidents.

For any queries, you can email us at surreyhills@surreycc.gov.uk.

Where can I see the Sheep now?

From October 3rd until early November, the flock can be seen grazing in Bansted Common Park Downs. You can find the exact location of the sheep using this What3words link: clips.shape.feast

Why is the Sheep Parade at this location?

The Sheep Parade is currently at Banstead Commons, highlighting the important role that conservation grazing plays in caring for the area’s nationally designated chalk downland habitats.

Banstead Downs and Park Downs are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), and grazing is an important part of maintaining these habitats, supporting biodiversity and helping to preserve the character of this historic landscape.

The Sheep Parade also provides an opportunity to raise awareness of responsible dog walking around livestock. Dog owners are reminded to keep dogs on leads when walking near grazing animals, helping to protect both livestock and wildlife.

“We are delighted to welcome the vibrant Sheep Parade to Banstead Commons and excited to celebrate the important role that conservation grazing plays in managing our beautiful chalk downland landscapes. We hope its visit will raise awareness of the benefits of traditional grazing practices and the importance of keeping dogs on leads around livestock.”

Lucy Shea, Clerk and General Manager, Banstead Commons Conservators

Where will the flock be going next?

Want to know where they will go next? The team will post their location on this page early November, so do come back to find out more or follow us on social media for updates @surreyhillsnl (Instagram) @SurreyHillsNL (Facebook)

What are real sheep getting up to at this time of year?

Our Sheep Parade is celebrating sheep in all their forms, but what do you think happens to real sheep in October?

October marks the start of the next sheep farming cycle, when rams, known as tups, are introduced to the ewes for mating. This is called tupping, and it is carefully timed so that lambs arrive in spring when conditions are right for them.

How can I find out more about the final auction?

The sheep will be on parade at various locations across the Surrey Hills until September 2027, before being auctioned to raise funds for charity.

Further details about the auction, including the auction date will be announced in due course, so please check back for updates as the project progresses.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please email us at surreyhills@surreycc.gov.uk.