Have you spotted them yet? Heerlen’s ‘natural mowers’ have officially started their spring tour through the city. Forget the noise of loud machinery; in neighborhoods like Aambos, Beersdal, and Onderste Caumer, all you’ll hear now is some gentle grazing and a contented ‘baa’.
Quiet, cute, and super sustainable
Using these sheep flocks is about more than just a cute sight. It is a conscious choice for a quieter and more natural city. While a large mowing machine often cuts everything down at once, these sheep work much smarter and more selectively. The shepherd and his loyal dog ensure the flock grazes exactly in the right spots.
More flowers, bees, and butterflies
Did you know these sheep are actually tiny little gardeners? Because they graze selectively, rare flowers and herbs get much more room to grow. The result? A stunning sea of flowers this summer! It’s a huge boost for our local butterflies and bees. In this case, being called ‘sheepish’ should actually be a compliment!
Coming to say hi?
It’s a lovely sight to see the flock roaming the city, bringing that typical rural charm to the streets. You’re more than welcome to go and enjoy the view, but please keep a few ‘house rules’ in mind:
- Give the dog some space: The sheepdog is hard at work, so make sure to give him and the flock some room.
- No feeding: They have plenty of fresh grass to snack on!
- Pet with respect: The sheep are healthy and vaccinated, so a gentle pet is allowed. Note: if you have a weakened immune system, the city advises not to touch them. For everyone else: enjoy, but be kind!
Spring has truly arrived, so put on your walking shoes and go find the flock in Heidserpark, Zeswegen, or Aambos!
Did you snap a beautiful photo of the flock in Heerlen? Share it with us; we’d love to see it!
Image credits: Gemeente Heerlen / Pixabay
Sources: Gemeente Heerlen
