The Ermelosche Heide features a stretch of the original Roman road that once connected Nijmegen to Putten.
The flock consists of the Veluws Heideschaap, a breed specifically adapted to survive on the sparse vegetation of the moorlands.
The sheepfold serves as a vital component of local conservation efforts, preventing the heathland from becoming overgrown with trees.
The visitor center, known as 'Schaapskooi Ermelo,' is built using sustainable, traditional materials to blend with the natural environment.
The heathland contains several visible burial mounds dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages.
The shepherd uses a traditional crook and commands the dogs with specific whistles and voice cues to move the flock.
The flock's daily routine follows a historic rhythm that has remained largely unchanged for centuries in this region.
The Ermelo sheepfold (Schapendrift) is a traditional sheepfold located on the Ermelosche Heide, a vast expanse of protected heathland in the Netherlands. It houses a herd of Veluws Heideschaap, an ancient breed of sheep that plays a critical role in maintaining the heath ecosystem through natural grazing. The site serves as both a working farm and an educational visitor center, providing insight into the historic shepherd profession. Visitors can observe the daily departure and return of the flock, which is managed by a professional shepherd and sheepdogs. The surrounding area features extensive, marked walking trails that intersect the heather fields and historical burial mounds. The center acts as a gateway to the larger Veluwe region, offering information on regional biodiversity and landscape management. It is designed to accommodate hiking, cycling, and equestrian activities within the preserved pastoral landscape.
The elevated vantage point on the heath edge during the 'golden hour' when the shepherd returns the flock to the fold.
Bring binoculars to spot local bird species and observe the sheepdogs working from a distance.
Stick to the clearly marked paths to protect the delicate flora of the heathland.
Check the weather forecast, as the heath is an open, exposed environment with little shelter from rain or high sun.
Do not attempt to pet the sheep while they are grazing, as this interferes with the herd's movement and the shepherd's control.
The visitor center may have reduced staffing or limited facility access during winter weekdays.
Keep dogs strictly on a leash to prevent stress to the flock and local wildlife; do not feed the sheep.
