Sheep Are Grazing On Hampstead Heath This Week

Fancy a slice of country life in the capital? Head to Hampstead Heath this week to see some sheep. Here’s exactly why they’re grazing pastures new.

Sheep Are Grazing On Hampstead Heath This Week

Image: Unsplash

Take a stroll through Hampstead Heath this week and you just might catch sight of some unexpected visitors: a herd of sheep, to be exact. 

On loan from Mudchute City Farm in East London, the sheep have been introduced as part of a conservation project led by the City of London with the Heath and Hampstead Society and Heath Hands. They will be grazing on the Heath extension from 11–15 September, and you can spot them from 8:30am to 7pm each day. Find the exact location of the enclosure on what3words here.

The project aims to maintain ecosystems and create new habitats for wildlife in the area – and sheep are baa-rilliant at this. Grazing sheep help rid grassland of unwanted species like ragwort and nettles, while encouraging vital wildflower growth which provides pollen and nectar for invertebrates, which birds can then chomp on.

If you head down to see the sheep, you’ll also be able to chat to volunteers from Heath Hands and the Heath and Hampstead Society about conservation grazing. 

Grazing last took place on Hampstead Heath in 2019 – the first time since the 1950s. This un-herd of event is sure to shear you up, but ewe better be quick: you’ve only got a week to catch sight of the sheep.