But Hazara farmers in Behsood say that the Kuchis' own animals are stripping grasses that the locals need to cut and dry to keep their sheep and goats alive during harsh highland winters.

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He had a job to do, namely, earn his keep by guarding the sheep that Elmer raised as part of his livelihood.

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It will keep maintenance costs down as the sheep will 'cut' the paddocks.

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They keep the vegetation low in the winter when the sheep are brought down to lower levels, and they provide food for birds like choughs.

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Named Blanket Bay (after the blankets used by sheep shearers here in the 19th century to keep wool dry), the resort is the type of luxe but rough-hewn lodge one might expect to find in the Adirondacks or at Lake Tahoe.

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The land will be grazed by commercial animals, including Norfolk Horn sheep and Suffolk red poll cattle, who'll keep the vegetation in check.

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It taps directly into their inherent fascination with the natural world, if only because of the standard array of farm animals: horses, donkeys, sheep, geese and that perennial favourite, the family dog, which keep little hearts thrilled.

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The sheep gave the place a Scottish feel, made for great photo-ops for tourist players and helped keep some of the rough at a manageable level.

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