Ramon Berkers

"Every day is different, the Maas plays with you. I enjoy the freedom and variety of my work the most. Outside in nature and the open air with the cows that recognize me. They are incredibly intelligent animals that can read and mirror your mood."

"I often get calls from concerned walkers. They have found a calf in the tall grass. Newborn calves are often safely left by the mother, and the herd watches over them. So, leave calves alone and do not touch them. As soon as the calf is born, the mother rejoins the herd and comes to the calf a few times a day to feed. Most people don't know that."

"People are curious and have questions. That makes my job fun, I engage in conversation with them. People are becoming more involved. Unfortunately, we also have issues with litter. It would be nice if we could respect each other, the herd, and nature more. I contribute to this by telling them how to get the best out of nature. That hospitality makes my work beautiful."

"With the herds, we enhance biodiversity along the Maas. Due to the natural grazing of the Galloways, flow remains possible, and the area stays varied. As a herd manager, I walk around for animal welfare. Besides the Galloways, we also have more than 200 sheep on the Hamert in National Park the Maasduinen and a herd of wild horses with a dozen Dutch land goats at the border near Arcen."

"What I mainly want to convey to people visiting the nature reserves? Think about your safety and that of the animals. They remain semi-wild animals. No matter how cute they are, they are not pets. Naturally, we select for character, it must be safe. But we need the help of the walkers for that. Keep a proper distance and try to walk around the herd, not through it."

"You meet people relaxing, they are walking, enjoying the Maas and its floodplains. I believe people have rediscovered nature in recent years. I understand that; I also work in the most beautiful areas of Limburg," he laughs.