Herbert is atropical soil scientist, with an European experience in heathland management. At present he is working for Alterra (Wageningen University and Research Centre for organizing international initiatives and platforms. Alterra is involved in revitalization of the European countryside and this could be useful for EIA and vice versa. Herbert is fluent inDutch, English, German and French. Herbert.Diemont@wur.nl
Chris has been a shepherd for some 15 years; he is self employed with his own flock in partnership with his wife. He has specialised in nature management/conservation grazing and is responsible for 180 ha of heath, 20 ha of peat moor, 15 ha poor pasture and 19 ha of dyke. His aim is to market all his lamb meat either by selling direct to the consumer from home or through a regional market of regional home-produced products that is currently established. In 2001 his entire flock was culled during FMD. He has a flock of 340 breeding ewes, all Schoonebeekers, a rare Dutch breed, and is planning to increase the flock size to 500 breeding ewes. His flock contributes to the conservation and commercial utilisation of this rare Dutch breed. His flock is specially adapted to local conditions, including grazing under hazardous conditions such as dykes. In the UK these especially adapted flocks are known as ‘Hefted’ sheep. These flocks are unique, since for generations the mothers have passed on their geographical adoption to their offspring. His interests are rare breeds and their history as well as the history of shepherding and sheep breeding in general. He is very aware that rare breeds are an essential part of greener farming systems and that they have a major role in helping the environment and improving the quality of food we eat. He hopes to contribute in this way in the regional economy. ch.grinwis@hetnet.nl
