Sheep grazing near Fluhalp, Switzerland.

Sheep grazing near Fluhalp, Switzerland. Image by simonsimages / CC BY 2.0

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has engaged sheep to help maintain the grass that lines the tracks of its network across the country. Around 80 Skudde sheep, a rare domestic breed that was on the brink of extinction in the 1970s, have been contracted to ‘mow’ the grass of the 2700 hectares tended by the railway company. SBB are using the sheep as lawnmowers can’t reach all areas and they also provide a more environmentally-friendly method of cutting the grass as grazing sheep promote biodiversity. The sheep can trim around 10 to 20 square metres per day. Read more: thelocal.ch