Sheep Take Over the University: Guided Walks and Shearing Workshops at Madrid’s Complutense Campus

Until May 16, a flock of 70 Asturian sheep will be grazing on the Moncloa campus of the Complutense University of Madrid. The initiative aims to highlight the role of pastoral livestock farming as a key practice for preserving biodiversity and is connected to the declaration of 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.

Students, university staff, and visitors are invited to join two-hour guided walks with a shepherd and the animals through the Arroyo de las Damas woodland area. Registration for the tours is available via this link for May 9, 10, and 15, with either a morning session (11:00) or afternoon session (17:30). Groups may also arrange visits on any day until May 15 by submitting a prior request here. For families with children, the tour will include outdoor storytelling sessions.

On May 14 at 17:00, an open event titled “Grazing, the City and Herds: Challenges, Opportunities and Experiences” will take place in the Cantarranas pine grove near the Faculty of Information Sciences. The program includes a sheep-shearing demonstration and a wool-processing workshop.

Complutense students can also register as volunteers via this link to participate in the activities. Those who complete at least 30 hours will receive ECTS credits.