It was good to see the sheep return to Hampstead Heath this month following successful trials in 2019 and 2023.

This year’s flock were from Mudchute Farm in Tower Hamlets. Four of the same sheep visited last year, and the Heath must have made an impression on them as they seemed to remember the way when they returned to the Heath Extension.

Sheep grazing has a significant place in the Heath’s history, dating back to the Middle Ages, and continuing until the 1950s.

Historically, sheep on the Heath were owned by local farmers and it was a popular stopover for farmers travelling from across the country before they took them to market in London.

The Heath & Hampstead Society have led this initiative, and our thanks go to them, as well as all the volunteers at Heath Hands who engaged with visitors, including making sure dogwalkers were aware what was going on.

It’s part of a range of approaches that we can use on the Heath. This area is difficult to mow and is ecologically important due to the anthills there.

William Upton has animals on his mindWilliam Upton has animals on his mind (Image: City of London Corporation) Staying with the animal theme, there is more news from the Golders Hill Park Zoo.

The animal adoption scheme will shortly include all animals, meaning you’ll soon be able to adopt a wildcat, a wigeon or an egret! The animals you can currently adopt are donkeys, deer, owls and kookaburras.

All money received goes back into managing the zoo and caring for the animals. Adopters receive a certificate and photo of their animal. For more information, visit: cityoflondon.gov.uk/ghpzoo

It was the 25th year of the Duathlon on September 1, the course of which runs between the Lido and the Ponds - congratulations to those who took part.

With autumn just around the corner,  we have our annual conkers competition on Sunday, October 6. Organised by our volunteer charity, Heath Hands, this is always a fun afternoon on the Heath.

Registration for the competition starts from 12.30pm at the Parliament Hill Bandstand.

  • William Upton KC  is chair of the City Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and Queen’s Park Committee.