Sheep Drive 2025 to be led by Adam Henson

Countryfile presenter, author and owner of the Cotswold Farm Park, will step away from his rural roots and into central London on Sunday 28th September to drive a flock of sheep across Southwark Bridge in one of the city’s most iconic and unique traditions. 

The Woolmen’s Sheep Drive is a celebrated British ritual, dating back hundreds of years, and will see more than 1,000 Freemen of the City take up their historic entitlement to herd sheep across the bridge, once a vital trade route for wool. It is the second largest public event in the City of London, after the Lord Mayor’s Show. 

The event raises tens of thousands of pounds annually for charity, supporting The Woolmen’s Charity, The Innovation In Wool Awards and The Lord Mayor’s Appeal. The Worshipful Company of Woolmen, one of the City’s oldest livery companies, dates back to 1180 and continues to support wool industry innovation, education, and sustainability. 

Alongside the Sheep Drive, visitors can enjoy the Livery & Wool Fair, where city livery companies showcase centuries-old crafts, and wool-focused businesses sell clothing, homewares, and gifts made from wool. The day also features sheep shearing demonstrations, rare breeds from Spitalfields City Farm, and lamb-based food stalls. 

Previous winners of the Wool Innovation Award, which celebrates sustainable and creative uses of wool, will also be present. The award is supported by the Woolmen and the Campaign for Wool, of which King Charles III is Patron. 

‘Fantastic celebration of our farming heritage’

Adam Henson said that he is “absolutely thrilled” to be taking part in this year’s London Sheep Drive, organised by the Woolmen.  

“It’s a fantastic celebration of our farming heritage in one of the most iconic settings in the country. As someone deeply passionate about British agriculture, it’s a real honour to help shine a light on the vital role farming plays in all our lives.  

“Driving sheep across Southwark Bridge is a brilliant way to connect city and countryside, and I’m really looking forward to being part of such a unique and meaningful event. It’s also a great opportunity to recognise the historic importance of wool in the development of the City of London and its continued value as a sustainable and natural material today,” Mr Henson continued.   

David Hopkins, master woolman at the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, added: “I’m really looking forward to the 2025 Woolmen’s Sheep Drive & Livery Fair. It’s become one of the city’s major annual events—second only to the Lord Mayor’s Show.   

“We already have 1,000 Freemen booked to drive sheep across the Thames, with thousands more expected to attend. Many livery companies will be joining in, either walking the sheep or hosting stalls.  

“We’re especially pleased to welcome Adam Henson of Countryfile fame as our celebrity guest, someone who truly understands sheep and rural life.  The event continues to raise vital funds for charity while educating thousands of visitors about the role of wool in our past, present and future. It promises to be a fun and memorable day.” 

The sheep, provided by farmers David and Barbara Seamark from Bedfordshire, are North of England mules. Small groups will cross the bridge under the watchful eye of their regular shepherd and veterinary team.  

The animals are specially acclimatised at major agricultural shows over the summer, and the event is overseen by the City of London’s Animal Health and Welfare Service, with full RSPCA approval. 

READ MORE:  Hollywood actor Damian Lewis leads London Sheep Drive 2024 

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