Response ID 308,966,531
Report number: 1034
Date of incident: 11/05/24
Location: Firle, near Lewes, Sussex
Lisa’s account: “I was walking solo on one of my favourite routes, making my way up to Firle Beacon on the South Downs Way. The path between Glynde and Firle takes you through a small field on the Firle estate, where there is usually a flock of sheep. This time, I could see that there was a herd of cows right at the other end of the field, and I wasn’t sure if they were on the other side of the fence. They were standing still so I figured I’d be ok. As I got halfway across, one cow turned to look at me then started walking towards me. Then it started trotting. I remember saying, “Oh no…” as it got faster, and others started to follow it.
I knew that the rule was not to run, but as they gathered speed, I decided in a split second to make a run for the gate. As they thundered behind me, I screamed as I ran. The field is next to a cricket pitch and behind a pub but no one heard me. I got through the gate in the nick of time and turned round to find a washed-out sign saying BEWARE – and then some unintelligible marker writing. I could just make out SUGGEST ALTERNATIVE ROUTE. As I stood there looking at the herd, the farmer drove into the field from the other side and proceeded to feed them. They obviously thought I was bringing their food. I was so stunned I didn’t go over to complain to him and continued my walk but I will never go through a cow field on my own again.”
Lisa would like “Proper signage from the farmer, if they are unable to cordon the animals off. In this case, there was an alternative route, and I could’ve taken it (if it had been properly signed), but by the time I realised there was a problem, it was too late.”
Cattle Safety 