Ewe herd it here first! Winner of public vote in South Downs photo contest is revealed

An “assertive” ewe has won the hearts of the public in our annual photo competition.

“Feeling Sheepish”, by Ian Cairns, took the top spot in The People’s Choice poll, which attracted over 800 votes.

 Ian, who lives in Seaford and wins £100, said: “I came across this assertive ewe at Chyngton Farm, a National Trust farm on the side of the Cuckmere Valley.

 “It’s unusual to get close enough to sheep for a proper portrait, but she seemed as interested in me as I was in her.

“In spite of the picture title, she doesn’t look very sheepish  – I think she is a Suffolk, known for being protective of their lambs, so perhaps I was being warned off!”

Ian added: “The South Downs National Park contains a huge variety of landscapes and heritage sites and it’s great to have the diversity of a busy lowland and coastal area recognised and protected in this way.”

Following the National Park’s Dark Skies Festival last month, people can now vote for their favourite astrophotography image among a shortlist of 25.

The public have until the end of March to vote. Visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/astrophotography-peoples-choice/

The winner, who will win £100, will be announced during International Dark Sky Week which begins on 13 April.

Good luck to everyone!

Our main photo competition will return in May with a brand-new theme and the chance to win up to £250. Watch this space for further details! 😊