Ordino Council Plans 150-Sheep Flock to Cut Wildfire Risks in Steep Andorran Forests

The Ordino parish council is exploring the creation of a flock of around 150 sheep to enhance forest management and reduce wildfire risks in high mountain areas where cows and horses cannot easily access steep terrain.

The initiative aims to revive traditional grazing practices that once helped maintain Andorra's landscapes. Eduard Betriu, Ordino's deputy consul, noted that about 40 years ago, the country had between 30,000 and 40,000 sheep, whose natural foraging kept undergrowth in check. As sheep numbers dwindled sharply, vegetation has thickened in remote spots, increasing fire fuel loads.

Sheep would target steep, inaccessible slopes beyond the reach of larger livestock, which already graze safer pastures. By consuming grass, bushes, and undergrowth before it dries out, the animals could act as natural clearing tools, complementing the council's ongoing mechanical efforts in areas like Llorts, Sornàs, and Segudet. These include underbrush removal and thinning to boost biodiversity and create fire-resilient landscapes.

Betriu emphasised the need for controlled grazing to preserve valley grass for cows and horses. The plan involves pooling small existing flocks from local farms. However, it requires a dedicated shepherd to guide the sheep and prevent conflicts with other grazing zones—a key challenge, as finding suitable personnel remains difficult.

Local farmers and livestock boards have welcomed the idea during discussions, but the council plans a small-scale pilot with parish sheep first to test viability before scaling up. "We must at least try a trial with a local flock so we don't regret not attempting it," Betriu said.

The project builds on two years of forest management work, aiming to proactively mitigate fire threats seen in neighbouring countries while balancing farming needs. Details on timelines remain under review.