Sheep return to Vaasa’s meadows for the summer

This summer, a total of eleven sheep will be responsible for landscape management in parts of Vaasa – six will graze in Old Vaasa and five in Gerby’s Omenapuupuisto Park.  

Using sheep for landscape management is an environmentally friendly solution, particularly in the cultural environments of urban areas. Sheep grazing helps maintain meadow-like landscapes, which in turn support habitats vital for pollinators in the urban environment. The grazing will continue until around mid-September, depending on how long the pasture lasts. 

Nature thanks these hardworking summer workers 

The wellbeing of the sheep is regularly monitored with sheep farmer Christer Ollqvist. The animals are checked every day, with a caretaker overseeing their wellbeing on Saturdays and Sundays. The sheep enclosures are also under camera surveillance. 

– The sheep have been much-loved summer workers for many years, and once again we’ve received numerous enquiries about when they will start grazing, says Simo Marttila, Project Coordinator for the Landscaping team The sheep have been especially popular with families with children, and local residents have really welcomed them with open arms. 

Let the sheep work in undisturbed 

To ensure the sheep can graze undisturbed and stay healthy, visitors near the enclosures should follow a few simple guidelines. Visitors are welcome to see the sheep but do not enter the enclosures and be mindful of the electric fences.  

If you are near the enclosures with pets, keep them on a lead to ensure the sheep’s wellbeing and do not allow them to chase or frighten the sheep. Please do not feed the sheep, as the meadow inside the enclosure provides them with enough food.