Ivan Barnes looking out for footpath problems  occasionally hits cattle problems. We have recently, quite rightly, become concerned with the problem of meeting cows with calves but Ivan shows that bulls are as formidable as ever.

While taking a walk down in the mysterious Bicker Fen I used part of the Brown Fen Walking Trail; a 66.5 miles gem of a circular route encompassing Boston-Spalding-Crowland-Donnington-Swineshead-Boston.  Leaving the village and heading west I passed through the impressive Wind Farm to access the beautiful and lonely South Forty Foot drain, steeped in history and abundant wildlife. Once on the bank side I was confronted by a herd of cows with their calves who in sisted on walking in front of me for well over a mile before positioning themselves in front of a hand gate thereby preventing access to the next stretch of river bank. It was at this point I noticed a Charolei bull amongst the herd staring intently in my direction. Not wanting to panic the animals or ask the bull how old he was, I decided to circle the herd that obligingly moved away from the gate taking the bull with them. Farmers are allowed to run bulls, over ten months old in a field crossed by a right of way as long as it is accompanied by cows and of a recognised beef breed. A Charolei is a beef bull. It is a criminal offence to allow a highly strung pedigree  dairy breed bull to be at large in a field crossed by a public right of way at anytime. However, it is best to remember that any bulls, whatever age can be unpredictable and extremely dangerous having the potential to cause serious injury or even death. Always stay well away from them. Always look for an escape route, and even trespass into a neighbouring field if you feel threatened.
 Don't put your life at risk!
Ivan Barnes

BUT cows with calves are considered to be more dangerousrous
Do

• Try not to get between cows and their calves.
  • Be prepared for cattle to react to your presence, especially if you have a dog with you • Move quickly and quietly, and if possible walk around the herd.
  • Keep your dog close and under effective control

• Don't hang onto your dog. If you are threatened by cattle - let the dog go!
• Don't put yourself at risk. Find another way round the cattle and rejoin the footpath as soon as possible
• Don't panic or run! Most cattle will stop before they reach you. If they follow, just walk on quietly.
• Don’t forget to report any problems to the highway authority