Dilsen-Stokkem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – De Watergroep uses 50 goats and 20 sheep near Meerheuvel lake (10 ha) in Dilsen-Stokkem. Managed by shepherd Jeroen Wellens, they naturally clear land, support biodiversity, and strengthen dikes.
According to VRT News, De Watergroep is utilising goats, for the first time, to clear land near the Meerheuvel lake in Dilsen-Stokkem, in the province of Limburg in Belgium. The area is around 10 hectares. Previously, they were cutting the plants using heavy machinery, and now the goats are taking care of the work for them. The goats eat grass, bushes, and smaller trees.
The company says this way is better for nature. The goats do not harm the ground. They do not make noise or use fuel. Workers move the goats from place to place. They mentioned that if this works well, De Watergroep may try it in more places.
What do 50 goats and 20 sheep do for the land in Dilsen-Stokkem?
Brigitte Van Damme from De Watergroep says the goats can eat plants up to 2.5 meters tall. This helps clear thick bushes and small trees without using machines. He mentioned that De Watergroep is using goats to help care for the land near the Meerheuvel lake in Dilsen-Stokkem.
Brigitte Van Damme says the goats help without using big machines. The animals also replace the need for spray chemicals. These sprays can harm the water and animals. The goats eat the weeds safely and naturally.
Shepherd Jeroen Wellens takes care of the goats near the Meerheuvel lake. He runs a company called Het Mekkertje. He brings about 50 goats to the area. He moves them to a new spot when they finish eating in one place. Wellens says this way is good for nature and helps the land stay healthy. When the plants grow too fast, 20 sheep join the goats. The sheep eat other kinds of plants.
A similar project took place in Genk, where goats were also used to clean up green areas near the old Ford site. A local shepherd brought the animals to help manage the land. The goats ate grass and fast-growing plants. This stopped the land from becoming overgrown. No machines or chemicals were used. The animals were moved from place to place. Local leaders said the project worked well and could be used in other places.
