Throughout the period of free grazing and in all weather conditions, shepherds must keep an eye on their herd on a daily basis. Grazing in the grasslands of Mont-Saint-Michel Bay can be hazardous. Incidents of animals getting stuck in the ‘criches’ – channels that wind through the grasslands and fill up with the tides – are common. In winter, at the time of lambing in the sheepfold, the farmer must be present with the ewes to check that everything is going well and, if necessary, to assist. This is a time when nights are short for the shepherds.