Eco-Pasturage

Step back in time

The newspaper and the mayor's office are calling it "eco-pasturage."  It's the latest and most picturesque solution to the endless chore of keeping acres of grass, especially along the banks of the Aude, neat and tidy and eminently presentable for the tourists.   The mayor's office has made arrangements with some local goat and sheep farmers to install their animals and let them do the work.

Young visitors

Busily working

There are many benefits.  There is no need for noisy smelly gasoline powered mowers polluting the air and our ears.  It saves money--the city can free up workers who would have to be mowing to do other landscaping duties.  The sheep and goats get plenty to eat, and it doesn't cost their owners or the taxpayers.  Visiting families get something free to do with younger children.  According to an article in yesterday's La Depeche, school classes are getting in on the act, taking turns watching the animals and learning the "shepherd" lifestyle first hand.  And it's just "right" to see this age-old practice at the foot of the age-old fortress.  Some of the goats have beels around their necks; I could hear the faint tinkle from the old bridge.  There is something calming and serene about watching them.  

Resting and eating along the Aude

Nap time

Miam, miam

I can't think of one single drawback to the plan.