Key Safety Messages:

• Where possible, cattle, especially cows with young calves should not be kept in fields with public access. Use alternative fields.

• Consider and where possible implement ways in which animals can be segregated from rights of way with physical means, such as permanent, or temporary / electric fencing.

• Carefully consider the nature of the cattle you put in fields with public access. Take account of the age of animals, the presence of calves and the influence of changing conditions like weather and increased footpath use at holiday times.

• Check paths are clearly marked, and fences and gates are secure and maintained.

• Site feed locations and troughs away from paths and stiles.

• Closely monitor animal behaviour. Remove, or cull, animals that show signs of aggression. Keep ‘flighty’ animals out of fields with public access.

• Display signs at all entrances to the field stating what is in the field (cows with calves / bull) and remove signs when animals are removed.

Guidance on grazing cattle on land with public access is available for England and Wales and Scotland. Further information can be found on the HSE’s livestock web pages:

• Cattle and public access in England and Wales

• Cattle and public access in Scotland

• Livestock - HSE