The surprising sight of giant ants crawling up Corfe Castle’s mound in Dorset, may amuse passing motorists and walkers but there’s much more to the insects than first meets the eye.
The temporary art installation by Church Knowle sculptor Eilidh Middleton, which popped up on Thursday 16th July 2026 among the resident sheep, is to draw attention to the plight of forests in Ethiopia under attack from an invasion of ants.
Giant ant installation on the mound at Corfe Castle
Huge supercolonies created by ants
This species of ant called Lepisiota Canescens creates huge supercolonies up to 20 miles in size, which threaten the last remaining forests in the country by burrowing among the roots of the trees and causing them harm.
While most of the forests in Ethiopia have been destroyed by human activity, the ants have the potential to eradicate what is left, despite the orthodox monasteries which are built in the forests to help protect them..
The loss of these forests would be devastating as they raise the water table and attract pollinating insects, vital for the surrounding agriculture. They also act as a wind break, conserve the soil and store carbon.
Strangely sinister, the ants represent the insects destroying ancient forests in Ethiopia
It’s hoped the sheep, which normally graze the pasture, will avoid their striking summer invader!
“The parallels with current global events are remarkable!”
Eilidh Middleton said:
“The idea of this installation started in January 2026 when I was staying at a medical compound in Ethiopia. I’d gone to help the Gamuz tribal children and to revitalise my soul and to paint.
“While I was there, I became fascinated with the ants in my room – the tiny creatures intrigued me. I then started to learn about the sacred church forests that they threatened.
“I was also taken by the social constructs of the ant colonies, which got me thinking. How do some species rise in number and spread out, invading territories of others?
“With ants they are almost military in their discipline and single mindedness. The parallels with current global events are remarkable!”
It’s not the first time that Eilidh has displayed her artwork at Corfe Castle
Eilidh Middleton with her giant sand lizard which aimed to highlight the plight of the threatened species
Relocated from Surrey
The installation called Invaders and Land Grabbers first popped up in the Surrey Hills near Dorking, alongside the Greensand Way footpath from mid June to mid July 2026.
The ants are made from painted plywood, some of which has been recycled from Eilidh’s previous sculptures, like the giant sand lizard which was also displayed at Corfe Castle in September 2023.
After getting special permission from the National Trust, the giant ants will remain on display on the mound until late August 2026 unless, as Eilidh adds:
“The little horned black sheep have an issue with them!”
Walkers pass by the unusual sight!
