2500 sheep on the move: A meeting of tradition in Schwerin!

2500 sheep on the move: A meeting of tradition in Schwerin!

Do you know the feeling of traveling with the sheep? Christian Zimmermann, a passionate shepherd, is currently leading an impressive herd of 2,500 sheep and goats through the picturesque surroundings of Schwerin. The caravan is currently moving from Plate to Demen, a route that is a real spectacle for the animals and the people who observe them. Local residents wave, take photos and enjoy the sight of the huge herd roaming the countryside. The passage through the lift bridge in Plate represents a tough challenge - not only for the numerous cars and cyclists, but also for the wandering animals, which are always under Zimmermann's watchful eye. Transhumance, a traditional craft, has become increasingly less important today, but is essential for the cultural landscape and the management of the land.

How does hiking with sheep actually work? The transhumance sheep farm, as described by the UNESCO described, leads flocks of sheep over different pastures, which change depending on the season and the availability of food. Animal husbandry is year-round and aims to offer the sheep the best conditions. In winter the animals are often kept in stables for a short time, while in summer they roam through barren pastures that can hardly be used for other agricultural purposes. Over the centuries, this tradition has contributed to the creation of unique landscape elements such as juniper heaths and poor and dry grasslands.

A life for the sheep

Working as a shepherd is no picnic. Daniel Voigt, a traveling shepherd from Michelbach an der Bilz, describes that shepherding is an old profession that hardly has any vacation times. A few years ago, shepherd families lived on 300 to 400 ewes, whereas today each animal species only earns around 100 euros. The costs of diesel, feed and technical equipment have increased, which does not make the situation any easier. Voigt, who is the sixth generation to maintain the family tradition, has a healthy relationship with nature and enables his sheep to care for and farm the landscape in small groups. In the hilly regions of Schwäbisch Hall and Hohenlohe, where it is difficult to cultivate the land mechanically, the shepherds rely on the supporting hand of nature.

Transhumance not only plays an important role in agriculture, but also contributes to the protection of flora and fauna. Voigt emphasizes that sheep grazing contributes to the preservation of the landscape and promotes biodiversity. By moving between pastures, sheep transport different plant and animal species, promoting a healthy ecosystem. In winter the animals are often housed to provide them with the best conditions, while in spring and summer they are brought back to the pastures to shape the landscape.

Protection and prevention

Today, shepherds are also faced with new challenges. The region where Voigt works is currently a wolf prevention area and the shepherds must take appropriate protective measures. Voigt keeps four livestock guard dogs, which are bred specifically to protect sheep and are used in fenced-in pastures at night. These dogs help protect the sheep from possible threats and are a valuable support for the shepherds, who have a lot of responsibility for the animals. When encountering hikers, joggers or cyclists, it is important to treat the sheep herds with respect, in keeping with the principle “The sheep should eat, not run”.

Transhumance is more than just a profession; it is a tradition passed down through generations and an art form that shapes not only the landscape but also the community. Thanks to the dedication and commitment of people like Christian Zimmermann and Daniel Voigt, this traditional craft remains alive and contributes to the preservation of cultural landscapes in Germany. No matter whether you are lucky enough to watch the sheep wandering or actively participate in preserving this tradition - transhumance is and remains an important part of our rural culture.