Over the last two years Richmondshire and Northallerton Ramblers have campaigned for changes to reduce the risks to walkers from cattle with calves, holding discussions with the HSE and Ramblers HQ. Our dialogue during 2020/21 may be viewed by clicking here.
Further recent correspondence is viewable here and George Bateman provides this update for us.

• There is increased nervousness amongst walkers when encountering cattle. However, the HSE and Ramblers HQ see little prospect of changing the law to ban cattle with calves from public paths. Farmers are, however, responsible for the safety of path users and a farmer in the Yorkshire Dales has been prosecuted following the death of an experienced Rambler in a field with cattle and calves.
• A pilot Defra project in S W England to allow “managed” temporary diversions of paths with livestock has made limited progress. This is due to concerns by other access organisations over allowing landowners to temporally divert PROWs, fearing the diversions might prove less than temporary.
• Both Ramblers and HSE can see the benefit of a standardised and well-publicised method of reporting “incidents with cattle” but this is not yet in place. Both organisations point to the publicity done and training material produced recently by the HSE.
• The new Countryside Code for Landowners has received much media coverage, and much of its content is encouraging, perhaps influenced by the work of the Richmondshire and Northallerton Ramblers. In particular in relation to cattle with calves it states:
“You must not keep animals you know are dangerous in places where there is public access. Consider that visitors might not know how animals behave, especially if they are protecting their young. Follow the HSE’s advice on managing cattle and public access.”

 The Richmondshire group will continue to campaign on our behalf. Meanwhile to report an incident to the HSE, click here. Reports may also be made to the campaigning group, Killer Cows by clicking here.

February 2022