Drenthe Heath Days | Ruinen Sheep Flock

Experience the flock of sheep in Ruinen during the Drenthe Heath Days

During the Drenthe Heath Days, you’re very welcome to visit the sheepfold in Ruinen. Find out all about the life of the flock, the shepherd’s work and the special role that wool plays in daily life around the flock.

From 10.15 am to 3.00 pm, there will be a varied programme featuring demonstrations, storytelling and opportunities to meet shepherds and volunteers.

Wool is a unique natural product with a wealth of possibilities. Various craftspeople demonstrate the beautiful items that can be made from wool:

• Hilda’s Creations
• Anita Trinks – House of Basics
• Engelien Kraal – Creative with wool

Be inspired by their craftsmanship and discover the versatility of wool.

Shepherd Michiel Poelenije gives demonstrations of sheep herding and shows how, together with his perfectly trained dogs, he can guide a large flock across the heath.

The demonstrations will take place at:

• 11.00 am
• 2.00 pm

If temperatures exceed 25 degrees, the demonstrations will be adjusted. Michiel will still explain how the flock is herded, but the demonstration with the dogs will not take place. The welfare of the animals is always the top priority.

The presence of wolves calls for new ways of working with sheep flocks. Sheep farmer Michiel Poelenije tells us more about his experiences with livestock guard dogs and how these dogs help to protect the flock.

There are also plenty of opportunities to chat with shepherds and volunteers. They are happy to talk about managing the flock, the landscape and everything involved in keeping a flock of sheep under the care of a shepherd.

Light refreshments are available, including coffee, tea and soft drinks.

Practical information

• Time: 10.15 am – 3.00 pm
• Location: Ruinen Sheepfold
• Parking: in the car park opposite the Natuurmonumenten visitor centre

Due to the presence of livestock guard dogs, dogs are not permitted in the sheepfold in Ruinen.

Come and enjoy a special day full of nature, traditional crafts and stories about the Drenthe sheep flock!

Part of the Drenthe Heath Days 2026
This event forms part of the Drenthe Heath Days: a week packed with activities centred on the Drenthe heathland, flocks of sheep, shepherds and the unique cultural-historical landscape of Drenthe. View the full programme and all activities at:
https://drentseschaapskudden.info/drentse-heidedagen