Every
year, Jet and Nina go with their grandparents to the sheepfold in Epen. Their
grandfather has adopted a sheep for each grandchild. In March the lamb days
take place. You can come and admire the newborn lambs in the stables. Every
year, it's quite a party. Jet and Nina look forward to feeding the lambs with
bottles filled with lamb's milk.
Their grandfather saw a call on television
to save the sheepfold. For years, a herd of herded Mergelland sheep has been
grazing the Gulp Valley in South Limburg, a beautiful, large and open nature
reserve. The grazing sheep ensure preservation and restoration of the
extraordinary and specific Gulp Valley flora and fauna. However, since 2011,
the landowner State Forest Control can no longer afford this method of nature
preservation. As a result, the sheep flock is threatened with extinction.
The Friends of the Mergelland Sheepfold
Foundation has therefore launched a playful action. You can adopt a sheep for
twenty five euros. You receive an adoption certificate that allows you to visit
the sheep flock free of charge. Jet's grandfather was deeply moved by this
action. He really enjoys the beautiful hilly landscape and the grazing sheep on
the heath. He would hate to see the heath disappear because it can no longer be
maintained. Grandpa did not hesitate for a moment and adopted the sheep.
This year, the family of Nina and Jet is
staying at the campsite and in the guesthouse next to the sheepfold. It is
always a fun time. All of their cousins are there. And even though it's the
same every year, they never get bored of these get-togethers! With pride, Jet
and Nina walk with their certificate to the entrance of the stables. By now the
keepers of the sheepfold know the family well. "Hi, Jet and Nina, are you
coming to look at the sheep again? "In half an hour I will give a
demonstration with the sheep. Then I'll show how I herd the sheep with the
dogs. Are you coming to watch?" Jet and Nina don't mind being told twice.
It's a mighty fine sight to see the border collies herding the sheep towards
each other. They decide to pick up their cousins so that they can watch the
shepherd together. "Yes!," Jet and Nina shout enthusiastically. See
you later!"
