Are you visiting Dwingelderveld National Park? Then there's a good chance you'll come across the Ruinen sheep flock. A wonderful experience that takes you back to times long past. Every day, the herd of about 300 sheep grazes over the heathland. Through all kinds of weather, in summer and in winter.
Meeting at the sheepfold
Do you want to be sure to meet the flock of sheep? Then make sure you are at the sheepfold in Ruinen in the afternoon. The shepherd returns here with the flock after their daily trek across the heath. The sheep graze there both in summer and winter, which reduces the grass encroachment on the heath. The 'pruning' of the heather shrubs ensures a vigorous and healthy heath. The sheepfold accommodates approximately 450 sheep. The lambs stay in the adjacent old sheepfold from 1949, which has been completely renovated.
Feel free to visit the sheepfold's information room. It is freely accessible daily. You can find the sheepfold at the Benderse in Ruinen.
Drenthe Heath Sheep
The flock of sheep consists only of the breed 'Drenthe Heath Sheep'. This breed has been used for centuries for grazing the heathlands. The sheep are relatively small and have a slender and agile body, long legs, strong muscles, and sturdy tendons around the joints. You can recognize them by the long, bushy tail and the horns. The rams have beautiful spiral-shaped horns, while those of the ewes are quite straight and curved backwards.
On the Lookout
Are you waiting for the herd to arrive at the pen? Then from the nearby lookout tower, you can see if the shepherd and his animals are already on their way. The lookout tower is situated on a viewpoint hill, which is about three meters above ground level. This viewpoint is also accessible for wheelchair users, strollers, pushchairs, and other wheeled transport. All the more fun! The freely accessible lookout tower is about six meters high and offers an impressive view. This typical authentic Drenthe scene, where the herd moves across the heath, is unmatched.
A second herd on the heath
In Dwingelderveld National Park, two flocks of sheep graze. The second is the Achter 't Zaand sheep flock. The associated sheepfold is located in Lhee, on the edge of the national park. From May to September, the weather and grazing location determine the departure and arrival times of the flock. You can find these times on the chalkboard at the sheepfold, where the shepherds write them down daily.