Sheep ambassadors save nature: how to help moor swings!

Sheep ambassadors save nature: how to help moor swings!

On April 29, 2025, an exciting event took place at the Schäferei Day of the Biological Station Zwillbrock, which was all about nature conservation. The leadership for the climate ambassadors led the participants into the heart of the Moorhof sheepfall in Ahaus-Graes, where the moor snaps are housed during the lamb period. "Sheep and nature conservation" was the central theme of this event, which was not only characterized by informative lectures, but also by practical insights into animal husbandry. Wochenpost reports that Nikolai Eversmann, deputy managing director of the biological station, the area of ​​the office and the challenges in the preservation and promotion of moor areas explained.

Eversmann addressed the historical creation of the bog area, peat mining as well as the current problems such as dryness and the spread of birch. In this context, he emphasized the role of moor snaps, which actively help to prevent the overgrown birch growth. The participants also received exciting information about the flora and fauna along the way, in which the bird world and the deciduous frog also played a role.

The contribution of sheep posture to biodiversity

But not only at this event, the advantages of sheep farming become clear. The white polled Heidschnucke has been bred since 2001, and since 2019 the Bentheimer Landschaf has also been playing a role in breeding. Regional value Münsterland describes that is the goal of this breeding in the preservation of regional landscape breeds and its marketing. There are currently around 100 mother animals of both breeds in the care, which is not only economically but also ecologically valuable. The sheep promote the preservation of versatile plant worlds in Heiden, Morgebend and orchards.

The close cooperation with the Coesfeld nature conservation center for area support shows how agricultural activities can be supported in order to promote biological diversity. The breeding efforts and the commitment of farmers contribute to this approach to maintain the cultural landscape in Germany.

agriculture and biodiversity

The challenge of preserving biodiversity in agriculture is enormous. According to the Federal Center for Political Education , agriculture has the greatest influence on biodiversity in Germany. It shapes over 50% of the country area. Unfortunately, the influence of agriculture has developed negatively since the 1960s, which resulted in dramatic losses in biodiversity. The industrialization and the associated increased use of chemical fertilizers have led to monoculture formation, which endanger the habitats of flora and fauna in many places

The national biodiversity strategy aims to increase the area of ​​ecological agriculture from currently 9% to 20%. There is an urgent need to create financial incentives for farmers in order to promote more sustainable forms of management and ensure a high landscape connectivity.

Although the challenges are great, events show the potential of sheep farming like the Schäferei Day. It offers an important contribution to the preservation and promotion of biodiversity and is a sustainable example of the integration of agriculture and nature conservation.