From 28 September to 13 October 2026, herders from several European countries are travelling with their sheep on the way to Belgium. Among them are the Belgian herders Toon and Johan Schouteden, who will herd a flock of around 300 sheep from the Belgian-Dutch border to Brussels, as part of the European Herders’ March. They will be joined throughout the Belgian leg by Loupa Pius, a pastoralist from Karamoja, Uganda, bringing an East African perspective to the March and highlighting the shared challenges and experiences of pastoralists across different regions of the world.
Along the route, members of the public are invited to meet the herders, walk alongside the flock and learn more about the role of pastoralism in managing rangelands and open landscapes, supporting biodiversity and contributing to resilient food systems.
Below are also links to information about some of the German shepherds on their March to Brussels: the "Hirtenzug". Also Dutch shepherds are organising their annual Wool March as part of the European Herders' March 2026.
The Herders' March will end in Brussels at the Bois de la Cambre (city park) on 13 October (11:00-17:00 h), where herders will bring their message to European policymakers. Booths will be set up on various topics related to grazing animals, herders, grazing landscapes and the future agricultural policy in the EU.
Following the opening ceremony and welcoming remarks by, among others, Khalid Zianwird, Deputy Mayor of the City of Brussels, and Francesca Pasetti, Co-Chair of the European Regional Support Group for the IYRP2026, there will be a panel discussionm featuring representatives from the European Parliament and the European Commission. This will be followed by a question-and-answer session and discussion.
An event organised by Veterinarians Without Borders will begin at 18:00, also in the park.
Organised in the context of the IYRP2026, the European Herders' March connects pastoralists across borders and draws attention to the importance of recognising their knowledge, rights and role in the sustainable management of rangelands.