Trusty the Surrey Hills Cow

Meet Trusty the Cow – A Surrey Hills Icon

Among the many landmarks of the Surrey Hills, few are as unexpected — or as beloved — as Trusty the Cow. This colourful sculpture now greets travellers at Haslemere Station, standing proudly as a symbol of the Surrey Hills National Landscape and part of the “Be Nice, Say Hi” campaign that encourages kindness and courtesy in the countryside.

But Trusty’s story goes back further — to the world-famous Cow Parade, one of the largest public art events ever staged.

From Cow Parade to Community Icon

The Cow Parade began in Zurich in the late 1990s and quickly became a global phenomenon, with artists decorating life-sized cow sculptures in cities around the world. Surrey hosted its own Cow Parade in 2016, with colourful cows popping up across the county before being auctioned for charity.

Trusty was one of those cows. Decorated with vibrant designs and full of character, she stood out as a favourite. After the parade ended, Trusty was recommissioned in 2019 and found a new permanent home at Haslemere Station.

Here, she became part of the “Be Nice, Say Hi” campaign — welcoming visitors, sparking smiles, and reminding walkers, cyclists and drivers to share the Surrey Hills with respect.

A Symbol of the Surrey Hills

Today, Trusty is more than just a sculpture. She’s a local landmark in her own right, brightening journeys and providing a touch of humour and creativity at the gateway to the Surrey Hills. For many visitors arriving by train, Trusty is the first sign they’ve reached this unique landscape.