On Thursday, 25 July, a flock of 200 sheep took up residence at Brussels Airport.
The purpose of their presence?
During their two-week stay, the woolly quadrupeds will graze 18,500 m² of vegetation covering the noise barriers in Steenokkerzeel.
Grazing serves as an eco-friendly alternative for mechanical mowing, enhancing biodiversity.
In the past, the grass on the noise barriers was machine mowed four times a year. The clippings were left to compost on site, leading to more one-sided vegetation. Since 2019, sheep have been used to graze the grasses to allow other plants to develop. This way, the noise barriers become a natural hotspot from which butterflies and bees can colonise the surrounding areas.
The sheep only graze on areas outside the airport's secured area, far away from the tarmac to keep it safe for everyone.