It’s time to take off the winter coat. It had actually been that for a long time, but this week it was that time for sheep from the herd in the Dwingelderveld. This and more in The Week of Drenthe.
Other animal news this week: at least three young wolves are walking in the border area of Friesland and Drenthe. It is the first time that a wolf cub has been found outside the Veluwe. Sheep farmers are concerned about this. Glenn Lelieveld, also of the Mammals Association, understands those concerns. “You have boars and red deer in the Veluwe. They are allowed there. You don’t have that in large parts of the Netherlands. Like here in Drenthe. While these are natural prey animals for wolves. Then they will hunt deer faster, but if there are insufficient deer, they are more motivated to look for other animals. Then they go to the hare, or to the sheep.”
This week also saw the first nitrogen consultation between farmers’ organizations and the cabinet, led by Johan Remkes. The conclusion according to Remkes: it was a constructive conversation, but there is a serious breach of trust. LTO chairman Sjaak van der Tak sees some movement in the nitrogen file after a “firm and tough conversation”.
In the meantime, the Drents Museum has gained a masterpiece. Temporarily then. Rembrandt’s Banner Bearer now hangs there. The painting is touring all provinces in the Netherlands. This month it is Drenthe’s turn. The museum can be visited for free on Sunday 14 August, so that everyone can view the painting.