Practical suggestions – Cattle Safety

Effective Fencing Options for Farmers: separating cattle and walkers

We discuss how to safely accommodate walkers where public rights of way cross cattle-grazed fields. We emphasise the importance of separating cattle and people, explore fencing options, highlight the advantages and limitations of electric fencing, and suggest how farmers can avoid unnecessary expense.

How can walkers be safely accommodated where cattle graze on fields crossed by public rights of way (PROWs)? Read our summary, or download our full briefing letter for farmers / landowners.

Walkers and Farmers – we can help each other.

We all know that feeling, looking at a map of an unfamiliar area, trying to plan a route. Walkers enjoy the freedom that access to our footpath network gives them; most walkers are careful to respect the farmer’s land and often help keeping the footpaths clear, they can notify farmers if livestock are lose or look ill. Well tended farms with farmers following HSE guidelines help walkers. We all get to enjoy our beautiful countryside.

“What do I do if I meet cows on my walk?” Safety Advice from The Ramblers, NFU and The Kennel Club (and what farmer’s are advised to do to keep us safe.)

A few of our reports have had people say they were unsure of what they should be doing if they meet cattle on their walks – so Killer Cows has had a look at the latest posts from these Organisations and listed them. We are not saying doing this will keep you safe – we’re saying this is what they are telling us.

Happy walking.

The Ramblers states cheerfully: “Whatever animals may be in the field, follow our top tips and you’ll be unlikely to run into any issues.”

HSE and cattle attacks

Please report any cattle incidents to the Health and Safety Executive. They have the ability to investigate and can instruct the farmer to take action.

https://killercows.co.uk/health-and-safety-executive-and-cattle-attacks/

Suggestions to improve footpath safety

There is often a bad’un in a herd and she is a catalyst for the others.

Cindy recently told us her story following a cattle attack: Surrounded and trampled by cows. She offers some further thoughts and suggestions below.

A friend sent me the link to your site and I submitted my story as a way of ‘letting off steam’ as I felt aggrieved, and I am very happy that my story is used on your site.

I have been appalled to discover the number of attacks that have occurred over the years. I was utterly amazed at the number of cow attacks (as opposed to bulls who actually carry the stigma) once I started googling the subject, and quite a few people I have spoken to have been able to relate experiences of ‘close shaves’. Continue reading “Suggestions to improve footpath safety”

Electric wire fencing

Many visitors to our Killer Cows site have suggested the use of electric fencing to keep cattle separated from walkers on a public footpath.

One of our commentators, Martin, has taken the time to create a simple diagram to explain how the fencing could be moved during the day to allow cattle access to the whole field, while still protecting the footpath.
Continue reading “Electric wire fencing”