Dresden continues to rely on sheep to maintain the Elbe meadows

The city of Dresden wants to continue relying on animal helpers to maintain the Elbe meadows. Since 1992, around 600 Schwarzkopf and Suffolk sheep have ensured that the meadows are in good condition and can be used to relax. Shepherd Steffen Vogel now wants to retire, but has already found a successor, the town announced. Eric Fischer will take over the care of the sheep this year.

Elbe meadows are home to protected species

"The careful grazing of the Elbe meadows is very important for nature conservation in the landscape conservation area. Protected species of flora and fauna, such as the corncrake and the meadow blue, have been living in the Elbe meadows for many years," explained Eva Jähnigen (Greens), Mayor of the Environment. The sheep and their shepherd would make an important contribution to the preservation of valuable biotopes as well as to the preservation of a beautiful cultural landscape in the middle of the city.

Waste and dog excrement complicate the maintenance of the Elbe meadows

According to the city, however, two problems make the work more difficult: "On the one hand, waste left behind on the Elbe meadows endangers the mower of the machines that are used to harvest hay in addition to the sheep. Dog excrement, on the other hand, threatens the health of the grazing animals," she said. Jähnigen appealed to the population to be considerate of nature and to dispose of human and animal waste properly.