Pedestrians in the German city of Nuremberg made way for hundreds of bleating sheep on Sunday as the woolly flock was herded through downtown on its way to its winter quarters.

About 600 sheep were driven through the historic center as part of a popular annual tradition.

Each year, shepherd Thomas Gackstatte leads his flock to pastures new outside the city.

During the summer months, the sheep are used to keep to keep the grass in nearby meadows short.

Nuremberg isn't the only German city where sheep are used as lawnmowers.

They also graze in at least some places in Berlin, Potsdam, Augsburg, Ulm and others.

The sheep's slow munching makes for insect-friendly grass care, helping preserve biodiversity, and also saves city authorities the costs of mowing.