In the NOS News on 18 March, it already came up. There are fewer and fewer sheep on Texel. Sheep farmer Henk Zoetelief explains in the broadcast that sheep farming alone does not generate enough income to live on. Mariska Witte of Schapenboerderij Texel adds that many sheep farmers do something besides this, such as a job or camping.

How many sheep are left?

Whereas there used to be about 14,000 sheep on the island (as many as inhabitants!), there are now about 9,000 to 10,000 of them left. And that is a shame, of course, because the Texel sheep belong to the island. It is hard to imagine Texel without its sheep pens, meadows with gullies and thousands of lambs in spring. The sheep have lived here for hundreds of years and are part of Texel's culture.

Is there still hope?

Yes - the 45 Texel sheep farmers are working on a ‘rescue plan’. Organisations such as Natuurmonumenten, Landschapsvereniging De Lieuw, the Texels Ondernemers Platform, LTO Texel and local politicians are also involved. They discuss the risks - such as high costs, ageing and the limited space on the island. But also possible solutions - such as making more land available and supporting young, enterprising sheep farmers. The plan should be ready by autumn and eventually lead to a situation where some 14,000 to 15,000 sheep live on the island again.

Lamb radar

Are you on Texel and want to enjoy the lambs in the meadow? Luckily, there are still plenty of them around! Take a quick look at our Lamb Radar.

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