Sheep pen Holtinger Sheep herd - Havelte
In 1838, as many as 3,900 Drentse heideschapen were roaming the municipality of Havelte. They were mainly needed for manure production, and the fact that they also provided wool was a bonus. But artificial fertiliser came along, so the number of flocks declined drastically. In 1950, the municipality bought a small flock of sheep for folklore reasons, which was disbanded again in 1958 for lack of a good shepherd. The sheep were housed in an old Ministry of Defence farm at Holtinge.
The establishment of the Holtinge Foundation in 1960 allowed the flock to be maintained. Defence made part of the training grounds available as pasture. By now it is safe to say that the sheep will not disappear from Havelte. In 2013, the sheep were moved to the current sheepfold on the Van Helomaweg.
Photo: ©Natuurmonumenten
Sheep pen Holtinger Sheep herd
Van Helomaweg 16
7971 PX
Havelte
Contact details
W: https://www.deholtingerschaapskudde.nl/
| Opening hours | |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:30 - 16:30 |
| Tuesday | 09:30 - 16:30 |
| Wednesday | 09:30 - 16:30 |
| Thursday | 09:30 - 16:30 |
| Friday | 09:30 - 16:30 |
| Saturday | 09:30 - 16:30 |
| Sunday | 09:30 - 16:30 |
In autumn and winter there is less grazing. On the information board near the sheepfold you will find where to find the herd.
