The Shepheard
Shepherding is one of Mans oldest occupations. It results in specific landscapes, both because of the mark it leaves on the territory and because of the tangible and intangible cultural traditions associated with its actors. Exposed to profound changes (climate, economic and social), shepherding is also capable of resilience, making it important in managing biodiversity and the land.
Despite the weather in the Serra da Estrela, whether in the highlands or the foothills, the Serra da Estrela shepherd has always had to find solutions to overcome the difficulties of a harsh climate, developing various techniques and skills. He maintained the identity of extensive grazing, going out with the flocks, whether it was hot, cold, raining or snowing, and feeding them in the meadows of spontaneous vegetation, always accompanied by his Serra da Estrela dog and his staff.
Thus, the shepherd lives out a symbolic relationship with his sheep based on his own cultural code. It is within this umbilical relationship between the shepherd and the Serra da Estrela sheep that the exploitation of the sheeps natural cycle has changed over time.
Several centuries ago, the main activity was wool production, followed by fertilisation of the land and milk and meat production. Nowadays, farming has changed, and the most important aspects of it are milk, for the production of Serra da Estrela PDO Cheese, Serra da Estrela Velho PDO Cheese and Serra da Estrela PDO Cottage Cheese; meat, from Serra da Estrela PDO Lamb; and Bordaleira Wool.
Today there is a glimmer of hope that encourages all those who make their living from the land and who, within the Serra da Estrela region, have a distinctive breed of sheep that has survived here for centuries, enriching the landscape and providing a livelihood for its breeders, so that they set out to maintain, intensify and improve their production.
The shepherd is indeed a fundamental part of this whole ecosystem.
OUR
ORIGINS
