Forest agency Metsähallitus on Monday opened applications for its "shepherd weeks" with a one-week window for submissions. This year, a total of 15 shepherding locations are available across Finland, including Lapland.
Each year, from May to September, the state forest management agency offers the public the opportunity to participate in shepherding on state-owned lands.
During this time, participants spend a week at a time living in traditional landscapes where sheep graze. As shepherds, they are tasked with ensuring the animals' well-being, along with a variety of other duties.
Thousands of people apply every year to try out the shepherd's life. Around 750 aspiring shepherds usually apply to herd sheep on Oulujärvi's Ärjänsaari alone.
Participants are selected through a draw, with the herders generally notified by mid-March.
Shepherds, however, must pay for the pleasure of these bucolic pastures — around 500 euros per week — with the revenue generated used to maintain the sites and their surrounding areas. At one location in Inari, Lapland — Pielpajärvi — shepherding is offered free of charge. But the site comes with additional responsibilities, including guiding visitors.
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