Drentse Heidedag: the season’s last four sheep are shorn by hand

How can removing a fleece help protect a landscape of heather? On 19 August, shepherd Johan at Schaapskooi Achter ’t Zaand patiently uses traditional shears on the final four Drents Heideschapen of the season. As he works, he tells stories about the breed and life as a shepherd. The freshly cut fleeces then move to the wool team, who assess, card, spin, weave or felt parts of the material. Visitors see more than appealing sheep: a complete relationship stretches from a living animal to a useful fibre and back to the management of an open heathland.

Dwingelderveld contains extensive wet heath. Without grazing, young trees and taller vegetation gradually change that open habitat, so the movement of shepherd, dog and flock is also ecological management. During the day, a guide leads a short walk to find shepherd Anja and the grazing flock, where she explains what the sheep eat and why their work matters. A wool market fills the yard, while children can make a sheep with real wool and try a quiz. From 15 to 23 August, ten Drenthe flocks host consecutive Heidedagen; Lhee is one carefully documented stop.

• Wednesday 19 August, 11:00-16:00, at Schaapskooi Achter ’t Zaand.
• See the season’s last four Drents Heideschapen shorn by hand plus carding, spinning, weaving or felting demonstrations.
• Free and no registration required, with a wool market, children’s craft, quiz and short guided shepherd walk.
• Address: Achter ’t Zaand 4, 7991 NG Lhee; voluntary support for the flock is appreciated.

Hokimi field note: arrive early if seeing the complete hand-shearing process matters and ask about demonstration and mini-walk times. Heath paths may be uneven, so wear walking shoes and bring sun protection and water. Do not approach the flock or sheepdog independently.