ADVICE TO VISITORS

"Be it not said unto your shame all was beauty before you came."

In general, hill farmers welcome members of the public but may seem anxious and sometimes angry to visitors exploring the fells and uplands. A farm is a work place, but, because of access, may also be acting as a leisure facility for visitors. There may, therefore, be a big difference between the experience and priorities of the farmer and the concerns and interests of the visitor. 

It is only through a partnership approach that the work and investment of  hill farmers in the landscape so enjoyed by visitors can be protected and continued for future generations.

The following advice for visitors has been prepared with the assistance of local farmers, Hilary and John Wilson of High Carlingill, Tebay. This advice is a work in progress and all comments and feedback are welcome; please send to terrymccormick@fellsanddales.org.uk

 

Please make sure you are on a footpath, bridleway, or on designated access land

The new right to roam legislation opens up new areas of fell land for access in addition to existing public rights of way. However, this only applies to specific areas of mountain, moorland, heathland and common land.  Many farmers avoid putting bulls and newly calved cows onto land with public access so you could be at risk from agitated animals if you are in the wrong place.

Common land is now open for access but is still agricultural land and sheep are nearly always present. The farmer has an ancient right to put his sheep on common land and would like visitors to respect this.

 

Please keep to the path

For livestock farmers, grass is a crop in the same way as wheat and barley are for arable farmers. Grass is made into hay and silage and needs to be kept clean and not trampled. Please do not stray from footpaths onto the grass as this may damage the grass crop.

 

Please do not climb on walls, fences or gates

Drystone walls, fences and gates are not part of the natural environment; they are the farmer’s property and he is responsible for their repair. It costs around £30 per metre to mend a drystone wall.

Many walls in the uplands have wire on top. This is not to frustrate walkers; it is to prevent sheep straying.

 

Please close gates behind you

Straying animals mean lost time and money for the farmer. If you fail to close gates, at the very least the farmer will have to take the time to go and close the gate after you. However, there can be more serious consequences:-

• If you leave a gate open you may allow two groups of sheep to mix. This will involve considerable work for the farmer gathering the sheep and sorting them
• You may allow rams to get amongst ewes belonging to other farms, and the farmer would be liable for damages. If a ram is accidentally allowed into his own flock this can seriously damage his breeding programme, cause work and cost money.
• Animals may stray onto the fell and it will be difficult and time consuming to gather them back in.
• They may stray onto the road and cause an accident.

Please keep your dog under control

This is one of the biggest concerns for livestock farmers and perhaps the greatest source of conflict with visitors.  

• Dogs have an instinct to chase fleeing animals; they may set off after a rabbit, upset a sheep and then go after the more visible victim. This may seem like play for the dog and its owner but the sheep is in fear of its life. They are very sensitive animals and their whole lives are spent guarding against predators. Sheep can die just because of the stress induced from being chased and may be found by the farmer drowned in a stream, where they have sought refuge when exhausted by a dog attack. Even small dogs can cause great distress.

• Dog owners are required to keep dogs under close control on footpaths, in public places and near livestock. ‘Under control’ means on a lead or at heel.

• Dog owners can be charged for any damage done to sheep and the law allows the farmer to shoot a dog that disturbs his sheep. Most farmers have a strong relationship with their own dogs and they understand how dreadful this is for pet owners.  However, the first responsibility of farmers is to ensure that their animals are safe

Note that cattle are very curious and will come and investigate anyone on their territory, particularly with a dog. Young stock may well want to come and inspect visitors and, if you run away, the calves may decide this is a good game and chase after you!

More serious is the maternal behaviour of cows with young calves who can become very agitated particularly if a dog gets near them.  In such circumstances, let your dog off its lead and retreat to safety leaving the dog to get away by itself.  Your dog can run faster than you can.