Depending on the place, the shepherd takes care of either sheep, cows or horses.
The application for Metsähallitus shepherd weeks starts again on January 23. In 2023, there will be a total of 15 shepherding destinations in different parts of Finland. Depending on the location, shepherding weeks are organized from the end of May to September.
The task of the shepherds is to ensure that the animals grazing in the shepherd’s area have water. The shepherds also count the animals daily, monitor the general condition of the animals and move them from one pasture block to another. Depending on the destination, sheep, cows or horses are herded.
The destinations in Lapland, i.e. the Kaapin Jouni farm in the Lemmenjoki National Park and the Välimaa Sámi farm located on Utsjoki, have been the most popular search destinations.
Next summer’s new destination is the Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church in Inari, for which we are looking for volunteer caretakers to take care of the area and animals and to guide hikers. Unlike other destinations, the volunteer week at Pielpajärvi is free of charge.
All shepherds will be drawn from among those registered during February.
Shepherd’s weeks are paid. The income from them is used for the maintenance of traditional environments and nature conservation.
The application to become a shepherd starts on the Luontoon.fi website of Metsähallitus’ Natural Services on Monday 23 January 2023 at 12 noon. The application form is open until 12 noon the week of 30 January 2023.
*Read more* *News of Lapland**.*