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The Star
a day ago
- The Star
For a relaxing holiday, folks in Finland pay to herd sheep
Finnish holidaygoers are clamouring to shell out hundreds of euros to work as shepherds for a week as a vacation, seeking tranquillity in nature and a chance to disconnect from their busy lives. Petri Stenberg is enjoying a 'shepherd week' together with his wife Oona and their two children Fia, age two, and Hugo, four, on an old farm on an island in the Isojarvi national park in central Finland. The popular holiday scheme, organised by the Metsahallitus company that manages and protects state-owned land and water areas, allows the family to combine recreation and nature conservation. 'We are living very close to nature here. We feed the sheep a couple of times a day, we have been to the sauna, swam and gone fishing,' said Oona, who works as a physiotherapist. 'Not once have I seen any news here. There's no TV here, we haven't browsed our phones. So in a way, my mind has somehow calmed down and I'm just concentrating on being here,' she added. Oona holding Fia, with her husband Petri and their son Hugo posing outside their rented cottage. Accessible only by row boat or on foot through the forest and across a bridge, the old farm is one of around a dozen remote sites across Finland to which Finns can apply for a week-long holiday taking care of sheep. Historically, grazing sheep and other animals have played a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and habitats for flora and fauna at the various locations. But changed forestry and agricultural practices, including a 'dramatic' decline in the number of small farms in Finland, have seen these traditional biotopes of so-called semi-natural grasslands and wooded pastures become an endangered part of Finland's nature, explained Metsahallitus expert Leena Hiltunen. 'The main purpose of the shepherd weeks is to increase people's knowledge about these traditional biotopes,' Hiltunen said. The vegetation on the Isojarvi island was traditionally kept light and lush as grazing sheep prevented overgrowth, providing the necessary ecosystem for now-endangered plant and insect species. Compared to the 1950s, less than 1% of Finland's traditional biotopes and landscapes remain, according to Metsahallitus, with most of them now located in protected areas. 'Appreciation and protection of nature is so important ... So it is really important for all of us to learn about it and for children to learn to appreciate it,' said Oona. Popular holiday Metsahallitus received 12,764 applications from 2,236 – many applying for more than one site – for this year's summer season. A total of 158 shepherd weeks are selected through a lottery. 'There has been a great deal of interest,' Hiltunen said. The Stenberg family, who lives in Vantaa, just north of Helsinki, applied a few times until they finally got lucky this year. A week typically costs between €400 and €670 (RM1,979 and RM3,216) at most locations. The housing is spartan and simple, in huts or cottages often lacking running water and sometimes even electricity. 'Some people have asked us why we wanted to pay to herd sheep and do some yard work,' laughed Oona. 'But it is really an experience for us, and the kids are loving it,' she added, sipping from her coffee cup outside the family's yellow cottage, surrounded by old wooden outhouses and a sauna overlooking the lake. In Finland, many people spend their summers in rustic countryside cottages. Hiltunen said only Finns could apply for the shepherd weeks because it was crucial to know 'how to manage the modest lifestyle' in nature on one's own. 'We don't have enough resources to advertise it internationally, or have someone there nearby advising how things work,' she said. On the lakeland island, a sense of complete serenity hung in the air, the grey sky suggesting rain was on its way. The family had been instructed to count the dozen sheep every day '... and make sure their overall health is good, that they are eating enough and checking that the fencing is intact,' said Stenberg, who drives excavators for a living. The small farm was a working farm until 1989 and was bought by Metsahallitus in the 1990s. Flipping through the pages of a notebook inside the house, Stenberg showed writings and a few sketches of sheep from previous visitors who documented their daily life and observations. 'This is a real break from everyday life,' he said. – AFP
BBC News
16-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Puffin found in Herefordshire garden returned to wild
A puffin that was found 110 miles (177km) inland in a garden in Herefordshire has been returned to the Welsh seabird, named Oona by vets, was nearly half the weight she should be when she was discovered in June in Stoke Lacey near being cared for at Vets for Pets Hereford, on Wednesday she was released into the sea at Martin's Haven, Pembrokeshire, to reunite with her suspected Elliot Goodwin said he was "so proud" to see the puffin back in the wild, after she had been in such a bad way in strange circumstances so far from the coast. On the journey to Pembrokeshire she was kept in a cardboard carrier box, with an icepack wrapped in a towel to stop her getting too they stopped to check on her, "she was nice and lively," said Jodie Manser, an RSPCA wildlife officer who was involved in the puffin's be able to see Oona at the point of release was a "privilege" and it had been "a real learning experience" for everyone, said Mr was nice to see her go back out to the wild after having got so lost in the first place, he added. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
NZ Herald
10-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Finns flock to ‘shepherd weeks' to disconnect from modern life on holiday
Finnish holidaymakers are clamouring to shell out hundreds of euros to work as shepherds for a week as a vacation, seeking tranquillity in nature and a chance to disconnect from their busy lives. Petri Stenberg is enjoying a 'shepherd week' together with his wife Oona and their two children Fia,
Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Straits Times
Finns flock to ‘shepherd weeks' to disconnect on holiday
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The farm is accessible only by rowboat or on foot through the forest and across a bridge. KUHMOINEN , Finland - Finnish holiday goers are clamouring to shell out hundreds of euros to work as shepherds for a week as a vacation, seeking tranquility in nature and a chance to disconnect from their busy lives. Mr Petri Stenberg is enjoying a 'shepherd week' together with his wife Oona and their two children Fia, 2, and Hugo, 4, on an old farm on an island in the Isojarvi national park in central Finland. The popular holiday scheme, organised by the Metsahallitus company that manages and protects state-owned land and water areas, allows the family to combine recreation and nature conservation. 'We are living very close to nature here. We feed the sheep a couple of times a day, we have been to the sauna, swam and gone fishing,' Mrs Stenberg, who works as a physiotherapist, told AFP. 'Not once have I seen any news here. There's no TV here, we haven't browsed on our phones. So in a way, my mind has somehow calmed down and I'm just concentrating on being here,' she added. Accessible only by rowboat or on foot through the forest and across a bridge, the old farm is one of around a dozen remote sites across Finland to which Finns can apply for a week-long holiday taking care of sheep. Historically, grazing sheep and other animals have played a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and habitats for flora and fauna at the various locations. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump's ambassador nominee to Singapore Anjani Sinha has a rough day at Senate hearing Asia Dr Mahathir at 100: Still haunted by the Malay Dilemma Singapore What's next for PSP following its post-GE leadership shake-up? Singapore 'Give a positive review': Hidden AI prompt found in academic paper by NUS researchers Singapore NDP 2025: Diamond formations, 'multi-axis' fly-past to headline parade's aerial display Business New Career Health SG initiative launched to support both S'pore workers and employers Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Singapore Apex court upholds SMC's conviction of doctor who gave patients unapproved hormones But changed forestry and agricultural practices, including a 'dramatic' decline in the number of small farms in Finland, have seen these traditional biotopes of so-called semi-natural grasslands and wooded pastures become an endangered part of Finland's nature, explained Metsahallitus expert Leena Hiltunen. 'The main purpose of the shepherd weeks is to increase people's knowledge about these traditional biotopes,' Ms Hiltunen said. The vegetation on the Isojarvi island was traditionally kept light and lush as grazing sheep prevented overgrowth, providing the necessary ecosystem for now-endangered plant and insect species. Compared with the 1950s, less than one per cent of Finland's traditional biotopes and landscapes remain, according to Metsahallitus, with most of them now located in protected areas. 'Appreciation and protection of nature is so important... So it is really important for all of us to learn about it and for children to learn to appreciate it,' said Mrs Stenberg. Popular holiday Metsahallitus received 12,764 applications from 2,236 applicants – many applying for more than one site – for the 2025 summer season. A total of 158 shepherd weeks are selected through a lottery. 'There has been a great deal of interest,' Ms Hiltunen said. The Stenberg family, who lives in Vantaa, just north of Helsinki, applied a few times until they finally got lucky in 2025 . A week typically costs between €400 (S$600) and €670 euros at most locations. The housing is spartan and simple, in huts or cottages often lacking running water and sometimes even electricity. 'Some people have asked us why we wanted to pay to herd sheep and do some yard work,' laughed Mrs Stenberg. 'But it is really an experience for us, and the kids are loving it,' she added, sipping from her coffee cup outside the family's yellow cottage, surrounded by old wooden outhouses and a sauna overlooking the lake. In Finland, many people spend their summers in rustic countryside cottages. Ms Hiltunen said only Finns could apply for the shepherd weeks because it was crucial to know 'how to manage the modest lifestyle' in nature on one's own. 'We don't have enough resources to advertise it internationally, or have someone there nearby advising how things work,' she said. Break from everyday life On the lakeland island, a sense of complete serenity hung in the air, the grey sky suggesting rain was on its way. The family had been instructed to count the dozen sheep every day 'and make sure their overall health is good, that they are eating enough and checking that the fencing is intact,' said Mr Stenberg, who drives excavators for a living. The small farm was a working farm until 1989 and was bought by Metsahallitus in the 1990s. Flipping through the pages of a notebook inside the house, Mr Stenberg showed writings and a few sketches of sheep from previous visitors who documented their daily life and observations. 'This is a real break from everyday life,' he said. AFP
The Hindu
07-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Hindu
Design finds from Chennai
Located on busy Chamiers Road in R.A. Puram, a red brick building houses three stores — Jaypore, Suvasa, and Bagh — and is a one-stop destination for all things decor. From ikat bedspreads to beautifully woven fruit covers, they offer locally made and environmentally friendly products. Here are six picks for the season: Jaypore Founded in 2012 and acquired by Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited in 2019, this premium artisanal lifestyle brand recently opened its first store in Chennai, marking its debut in Tamil Nadu. Jaypore curates handcrafted products, sourced directly from artisans and craftsmen across India. They offer a selection spanning apparel, home décor, accessories, jewellery, and more. Storage unit The storage box, priced at ₹2,490, is made of mango wood and brass. Its handcrafted nature means each unit is slightly different, showcasing the artist's creativity. It is part of the Nimat collection and easy to maintain — just wipe it with a soft dry cloth for longevity. Dinnerware Inspired by the nature of Himachal Pradesh, the Ruhan collection offers a luxurious range of dinnerware, including platters and serveware. The collection, with its blend of stylised floral motifs and glimpses of the striking Himalayan Monal, starts at ₹1,590. Suvasa Founded in 2000 by Oona and Rajat Singh, Suvasa launched its new Chennai branch last year. Rooted in Jaipur and inspired by nature, its collections celebrate earthy palettes, tactile textures, and a design ethos that is both understated and refined. Seagrass basket The basket, hand painted with bright red poinsettias, is lightweight and earthy. Made from natural seagrass and cane, it's a multipurpose piece that can double up as an office tiffin bag or a classic picnic companion. It is priced at ₹1,550. Food and fruit covers Made by women artisans, the umbrella food cover is crafted from delicate net fabric and adorned with hand embroidery. It blends functionality with craftsmanship, and is priced at ₹2,100. The fruit cover, also crafted from net, is edged with colorful printed fabric, intricate beading, and hand embroidered French knot roses. Part of the collection for the past 10 years, it is priced at ₹350 per piece. Bagh Bagh by Seasons, a 20-year-old brand based in Vadodara, opened its Chennai branch six months ago. The store combines local printing techniques with natural fabrics to create a style that is uniquely indigenous. All motifs are designed by an in-house team of artists. Ikat cushion cover This cotton cushion cover is a go-to for anyone who loves Indian textiles. Available throughout the season, it comes pre-shrunk and should be hand-washed. The store also provides other kind of cushion covers such as silk block print and jute. Priced at ₹1,500 Bedspread set For a cosy home experience, this bedspread set is a must. Made from hand block printed cotton fabric, this cotton cushion cover is priced at ₹950, the quilt at ₹9,450, and the dohar (a traditional Indian blanket or comforter) at ₹6,350.
