One of the mother cows ran at me…
Suddenly, all the cows started coming towards us.
On the 30th May 2020, our family was walking on a public footpath through a field behind the Barton Abbey estate, in Oxfordshire. We noticed a group of cattle – a bull with cows and calves – were present in the same field. Continue reading “Rebekah’s story: encircled by cows.”
I ran away as fast as I could.
On the 22/5/2020, two of us were walking through a field along a footpath. This was between Cumnor Rd, Wootton, Oxfordshire and the old part of Wootton, near Boars Hill, Oxfordshire.
Continue reading “Heiferlump: a walk spoiled by an aggressive cow.”
I scaled the fence as quickly as I could, but it was coated in barbed wire.
On the 12/5/2020, I was running on my own along a public footpath near Aylesbury, when I had a frightening encounter with a herd of cows. Continue reading “Laura’s story: injured during an escape from a field of cows”
I was one of those walkers who felt that people who worried about cows were just townies who didn’t understand them,
It’s summer time, we’re still in partial lockdown, and many people are turning to the British countryside for solace and recreation, without realising the risks. Libby’s advice has been published here before, but is worth repeating.
I was not at all worried about the dangers of being attacked by cattle… before I was trampled and viciously attacked. (Read my story here.)
Until then, I’m afraid to admit I was one of those walkers who felt that people who worried about cows were just townies who didn’t understand them, and I am ashamed to say I thought people who were attacked by cattle had dogs that were worrying the herd, or had done something wrong to spook the herd. Continue reading “Libby’s advice: how to reduce your risk from cattle.”
My dog was injured by an electric shock from the fence.
On the 5th of May, 2020, I was walking with my dog on a lead along the Reservoir Walk, near the Welford Reservoir in Northamptonshire.
I saw a group of cows in a field, and they had calves with them. Before we reached the field, the cows saw us coming and walked towards us (led by one particular cow). They walked quickly and were making quite a lot of noise.
Continue reading “Christine’s story: turned back by cows”The electric fence seemed inadequate for cows.
On the 3rd May 2020, our family was walking along a footpath just south of Forty Acre Farm, in Alveston, Gloucestershire. We saw that a herd of cows had been moved into a field directly south of the farm.
Continue reading “An unsuitable electric fence and an unusable footpath.”The bulls ran straight at me
On the 1/5/2020, I was walking on my own on a public footpath, close to the B4102, just south of Fillongley, North Warwickshire. When I entered a field, along the footpath, I saw about 10 large bullocks (I think they were about 2/3 the size of a fully grown bull and quite large).
I sprinted for the footpath with 4 or 5 cows running after me.
On Tuesday 21st April 2020 I was running along my normal route toward St Columb Major, (Parish/path no./link no. : 415/2/1) near Trenoweth Manor Farm, in Cornwall.
Continue reading “Andrew’s story: a runner chased by cows.”I know of several instances where dogs have been kicked and one lady chased.
In April, we received the following report from a Stourport resident. Sadly, this demonstrates how reluctant authorities are to take seriously the risk of injuries by cattle.
Continue reading “Petition about dangerous cattle ignored.”First reported death this year of a walker killed by cattle in the UK
[We are sad to report the first death this year of a walker killed by cattle in the UK.]
On the 30th May, a couple of elderly walkers were strolling through a field near Ingleborough, when they were attacked by a herd of cows. Tragically, the man died of his injuries. The woman was severely bruised, but survived.
According to the outdoors magazine ‘Grough‘, the walkers had two small terriers with them. According to other reports, the cows had calves which they may have been protecting. Read the BBC news report of the incident, which was also reported in the Yorkshire Evening Post.
While hundreds of people are dying every day from this horrible Covid-19 virus, it is easy to forget that the peaceful fields of England can contain hidden dangers too.
As the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions begin to ease, we urge people to be careful, and continue to report cattle attacks to us.
You can read some of our advice for walkers here.
Header photo by Gary Butterfield on Unsplash
A close escape from cattle, and a lesson learnt.
This communication is just for your information. I have had a few slightly scary encounters with cattle on my numerous country walks, but with one incident there was an explanation you need to know about. Continue reading “Warning: avoid carrying plastic bags!”
Cattle Safety 