Ixelles (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ixelles introduced 5 sheep to maintain the greenery cemetery through ecological grazing. Alderman Valérie Libert said the project promotes sustainable park care and invites residents to join Sunday’s sheep procession.
As VRT News reported, 5 sheep have been deployed in Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium, to mow the grass as part of a new ecological grazing project. The animals are part of a new project using ecological grazing to maintain public green spaces and cemeteries.
What role do 5 sheep play in keeping Ixelles green?
Alderman for Climate and Environment Valérie Libert (MR & VLD with You) said the goal is to manage parks in a natural and sustainable way. The sheep are being looked after by specialists and moved between sites when needed. He mentioned that the project will run for several months before the results are reviewed.
“The sheep are retired,”
Libert continues.
“They no longer produce milk, but they still play a useful role in society. They’re super cute and named Calamity, Jane, Simone, Bibi, Tango, and Choco.”
5 sheep have been living on a grass field near Kraaienplein in Ixelles since last week. On Sunday, October 12, 2025, they will accompany a small group of schoolchildren in a procession to the Ixelles cemetery. This activity is part of a larger municipal project for ecological grazing.
The animals will take on the duties of lawnmowers at the cemetery site, grazing to keep the grass short, managing invasive species, and improving soil conditions. Residents are welcome to participate in the sheep procession on Sunday, Oct 12, 2025.
Alderman for Climate and Environment Valérie Libert (MR & VLD with You) said the event is a chance to explore Ixelles and the cemetery in a new way. She added that it is educational for city children, who do not often get to see or interact with sheep.
Other Belgian cities have already implemented similar projects. In Anderlecht, a flock of sheep were introduced in Peterbos Park in 2022 to keep the grass cut in an environmentally friendly way. This idea extended to other municipalities like Schaerbeek and Etterbeek, where sheep were used in parks and school gardens. Ghent and Namur have also tested grazing goats in cemeteries and natural areas in 2023.
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