Stories from Heide & Far: Frank de Roover

In the early 1970s, Frank de Roover stepped into the serene silence of the Kalmthoutse Heide to be the very first shepherd to herd a flock of sheep as a function of heathland management.

Today, more than 50 years later, grazers are still used to preserve the heath landscape with all its precious species. Sheep herding is deeply rooted in the history of our landscape. Grazing sheep in nature reserves not only manages the vegetation, but also builds a bridge between past and present.

We recently had the privilege of looking at the heathland and herding through Franks' eyes, during a special meeting with the herd of Bert and Yuna of De Hoeder.

Many thanks to Frank for the wonderful stories and for the hospitality of Bert and Yuna and their flock.

Listen to the podcast with Frank here.