Herdwick Sheep - Westerplas Flock

Info

Nature project with HERDWICK sheep in Flemish lowlands.

Geschiedenis

The Westerplas is a controlled floodplain of some five hectares that protects a residential area against flooding. In a relatively short time the Westerplas has become a stop off point for many species of migrating birds. In 2007 Natuurpunt Gent started looking for an ecological way to maintain the marshes and wetlands, and to avoid re-forestation. After a long search, the solution was found in the grazing habits of the Herdwick sheep. The breed originates from the mountainous Lake District in the North West of England, close to the Scottish border. The harsh climate and poor vegetation on the slopes has turned the Herdwick into a perfect sheep for nature projects. Following a pilot phase in mid 2008, the project quickly expanded and the Westerplas Flock was established.