'Hug a sheep' at West Sussex sanctuary's fundraising weekend
A West Sussex sanctuary is inviting people to ‘hug a sheep’ and help raise money for animals.
Lotus Lamb & Animal Sanctuary, based near Billingshurst, is hosting ‘Hug a Sheep Day’ on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1.
All funds raised will help to keep the sanctuary’s animals ‘fed, warm, and happy through the long winter months’.
A spokesperson for the sanctuary said: “With face-painting and temporary tattoos, a treasure hunt, a sanctuary sale, the opportunity to feed some of the animals, (human!) food, and much more, you won’t want to miss it!
"All ticket sales go directly to the sanctuary and are non-refundable, allowing us to keep the animals fed, warm, and happy through the long winter months. You’ll also be able to add on a treat for the sheep when you pay for your tickets - completely optional but greatly appreciated!”
The charity previously called on the public for support after one of the UK's hottest summers left it without the funds needed to feed and vaccinate its animals ahead of winter.
Hayley Hubbard, founder of Lotus Lamb & Animal Sanctuary, said prolonged drought conditions had ‘devastated’ grazing land, which meant the charity had to spend extra money on bought-in feed.
Hayley said: "The severe heat this summer meant the grass simply couldn't regrow. The animals couldn't graze, and we've had to spend money on feed that we hadn't budgeted for - money that was meant to see us through winter."
To buy tickets to Hug a Sheep Day, visit: www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/hug-a-sheep-day--2026
Lotus Lamb & Animal Sanctuary is located on the corner of Rickman's Lane, Plaistow Road, and Foxbridge Lane. The sanctuary said the easiest way to find it is with its What3Words code: cakes.brilliant.type.