Sheep Flock Began European Relay Walk
A group of 350 sheep set out from Diest to promote the professional shepherding industry across Europe.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Large Animals
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A flock of approximately 350 sheep began a relay walk from Diest to Kortenaken on October 5, 2026. This journey is part of the European Shepherds' Walk relay, which seeks to raise awareness for the shepherding profession and the importance of grazing land.
Why it matters
The relay highlights the vital role of grazing animals in maintaining wildlife and storing soil carbon. It also draws attention to the small number of full-time shepherds practicing in regions like Belgium.
The relay flock consists of 350 sheep traveling at an average pace of three kilometres per hour. There are currently only about 15 full-time shepherds operating within Belgium.
The players
Johan Schouteden
He is a professional shepherd leading the flock through the relay alongside his dogs and helpers.
Toon Schouteden
He is a professional shepherd participating in the European Shepherds' Walk to advocate for grazing land management.
The details
Guided by shepherds Johan and Toon Schouteden with the assistance of dogs, the sheep are passing a shepherd's staff between different flocks along the route. The relay will eventually span across multiple nations, passing through Brussels, Luxembourg, and Germany before concluding in Hannover.
Timeline
The flock departed Diest at 8:30 a.m. on October 5, 2026.
The year 2026 is observed as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
Culture Shift
The relay walk follows the momentum established by the United Nations International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists to bring focus to sustainable land management. This movement reflects a broader societal shift toward valuing traditional agricultural methods for their environmental benefits.
The slow-moving flock may cause minor temporary logistical shifts for those living near the designated route through Belgium and beyond. Observers can track the progression of the sheep across the countryside using updated coordination tools.
The takeaway
This event demonstrates how ancient agricultural practices are being rebranded to fit modern environmental sustainability goals. Readers can support the effort by learning about the ecological benefits of local grazing in their own communities.
Further reading
Learn more about agricultural trends and animal welfare in the Large Animals section.
More information
Follow the real-time progress of the flock on the live sheep tracking portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Euro Weekly News Spain.
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Should governments do more to protect traditional agricultural professions like shepherding?
