Sheep in the city: Ixelles steps up its eco-grazing efforts

Following a successful ‘mowing’ season in 2025, Ixelles is escalating its eco-grazing project in 2026 with a larger flock of sheep taking over landscaping duties in the municipality’s green spaces.

It has also added an additional grazing period in the spring to the traditional end of summer tidy-up.

“The aim is to follow the natural growth cycle of the vegetation and further reduce the use of lawnmowers,” the municipality said in a statement.

Although the flock is currently busy at work in Plaine aux Corneilles, it will head off to Ixelles Cemetery on 5 September at 14.00, where it will remain until 23 November.

The annual migration is tipped to be a festive affair with the public invited to join the grass-chomping animals on their annual migration. It will be accompanied by activities for all ages

Meanwhile,  the flock has grown from five to eight members: Lactose, Rayban, Pils, Domino, Katimini, Maria, Juliette and Puyu.

The ‘retired’ ewes might no longer be used for milk production, but eco-grazing gives them a second lease of life, said the municipality. “Rather than being sent to slaughter, they continue to play a role in the ecological maintenance of green spaces, while enjoying a peaceful retirement surrounded by greenery.”

In spring, the sheep from the Chant des Cailles cooperative enjoyed an extended grazing period due to the abundance of vegetation.

“If eco-grazing is to deliver real ecological benefits, it cannot be a one-off initiative. We need to follow the natural growth cycle of the vegetation and allow the sheep to genuinely replace machinery wherever possible,” explained Valérie Libert, alderwoman for climate and the environment (MR & Anders avec vous).

Photos: ©Ixelles municipality