Sheep drive from Achel to Brussels seeks accommodation for shepherd
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Organisers of the 2026 Herderstocht, a sheep drive, are asking for a temporary loan of a caravan for one of their shepherds. On September 28, a flock of hundreds of sheep will begin a two-week journey from Achelse Kluis in Belgium to Brussels.
Johan Schouteden, a shepherd from Sonnisheide farm, explained the group stays with the sheep overnight and needs lodging for an additional member of their team.
The 170-kilometer drive will pass through several municipalities including Pelt, Peer, and Diest before reaching Vlaams-Brabant and Brussels, ending on October 13. The shepherds intend to draw attention to the importance of grazing in managing landscapes and preserving biodiversity. Grazing sheep maintain vegetation at a healthy level, supporting a variety of plant and animal life while also spreading plant seeds as they move.
Schouteden expressed concern about the future of extensive farming and shepherding in Flanders, citing fragmented land, competing land uses, and complicated regulations. The group hopes the drive will highlight the need for greater recognition and support for shepherds who contribute to natural resource management.
