Tag: 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.

Continue reading “Effective Fencing Options for Farmers: separating cattle and walkers”

Can We Enjoy a Walk in the Countryside?

You may have heard Adrian Chiles’s radio programme discussing the safety of walking through fields of cattle, if not then head this way – Adrian Chiles – 04/04/2024 – BBC Sounds . Neither the animal behaviourist nor the representative from the NFU on the programme arrived at any conclusions about how we should behave to avoid being attacked by cows. So we ask the question – can we enjoy a walk in the countryside?

This all began because we love walking in our beautiful countryside – and it’s good for us.

The benefits of walking

Natural England has updated the Countryside Code, recognising the significant health and wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature. These benefits are important. England and Wales are blessed with a wonderful network of footpaths, allowing everyone access to our countryside so they can enjoy the benefits to both mind and body that walking in natural surroundings can bring.

But: Killer Cows have received over 800 reports of incidents in the countryside, these are from walkers who have either felt scared or been chased by cattle or, even worse, sustained injuries from cattle – some very severe. Many have been so affected they no longer feel safe enough to walk in the country and so have lost any benefit access to the countryside gave them.

So what do people suggest to do to keep safe?

Continue reading “Can We Enjoy a Walk in the Countryside?”

Libby’s advice: how to reduce your risk from cattle.

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 learnt the hard way.

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.”

Libby explains how to stay safe on a walk

Libby is a farmer’s daughter and was brought up amongst livestock. She wasn’t scared of cows… not until she was trampled and nearly lost her life.

“I was one of those walkers who felt that people who worried about cows were just townies who didn’t understand them,” she explains. “I know differently now.”

Following her experience, Libby is much more cautious.

“Now, I have a set of personal rules when I embark on a walk, to try to keep me, and anyone I walk with, safe.”

Libby’s quick checklist

Before entering a field of cattle, Libby makes the following checks:

  1. Can I see calves – don’t enter!
  2. Cattle around stile – don’t enter!
  3. Cattle look interested and stop chewing to focus on us and move nearer  – retreat!
  4. I can’t see the way out or don’t know where the way out is – don’t enter!
  5. The herd are spread around the field and I cannot circle around them – don’t enter!
  6. There isn’t an escape route – fence/wall/river that I can easily jump over/into should need arise – don’t enter!

For an extended version of Libby’s rules, and to read more of her advice, go here: Libby’s tips for staying safe around cattle.