Die Osterzeit ist ein besonderes Fest auf der Insel Mönchgut. Die Nordreportage des NDR begleitet drei Schäfer bei der Vorbereitung und Durchführung des traditionellen Osterlammritts. Dabei werden die alten Bräuche und Rituale aufgezeigt, die auch heute noch gepflegt werden. Die Zuschauer erhalten einen Einblick in das Leben der Schäfer und ihrer Tiere.

Osterlämmer auf dem Mönchgut | Die Nordreportage | NDR

The Norddeutscher Rundfunk in 2022 presents a documentary on the life of Frank Westphal, a shepherd, who lives and works in Groß Zicker, a small village on the Mönchgut peninsula in the southeastern corner of Rügen. The documentary brings into focus the life and work of Frank, one of the Pokens, the people that live and work around the hilly Zickerschen Alpen. The Pokens are homebound people that are dedicated to preserving and multiplying the rich biodiversity handed down from their forefathers.

The Mönchgut peninsula has been declared a biosphere reserve, one of the reasons why it remains pristine and unspoiled. Frank is a farmer that loves and respects nature; his life’s work is to take care of the Rauhwollige Pommersche Landschaf, a sheep breed that has thrived in this region for thousands of years.

It is February, and the lambing season is about to begin. In the barn, Frank helps the ewe give birth to her lamb, and the flock of sheep waiting nearby seems to sense the excitement of the event. After the birth, Frank moves the ewe and her lamb to a separate pen, where they can bond without interference from the other sheep.

Frank’s two daughters, Bente and Friederike, are his helpers. He has taught them how to care for the newborn lambs and helps them with their reading skills. In the documentary, we see the girls milking the ewes, bottle-feeding the newborns, and running around the barn with the other lambs.

Frank’s wife, Stefanie, is also an integral part of the team. She has joined him in his work, which includes being on call 24/7. The life of a shepherd is not easy, and their financial rewards are meager. Stefanie used to work in Stralsund, and she had to drive for an hour each way every day. Now, with Frank and their family settling down in Groß Zicker, she is content and happy with her new life.

Frank’s love for the land and nature is contagious, and it is evident in the way he interacts with his animals. He is a shepherd who recognizes the importance of maintaining a sustainable environment for future generations. The documentary is a heartwarming insight into the life and work of a dedicated farmer.
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