Guide to walking near livestock on nature reserves

Many of our nature reserves are maintained by conservation grazing livestock. Depending on the habitat type and time of year, you may see cattle, ponies, sheep or goats when visiting our reserves. 

As tempting as it might be to approach the livestock that graze our reserves, please respect the vital work they are doing for wildlife by keeping your distance and remember these animals are not tame. 

On occasion, you may find that livestock have moved into your intended path or are grazing close to the footpath. Here are some useful dos and don’ts if you encounter livestock on one of our nature reserves: 

Do

• Do be observant of grazing signs informing you that you are entering a grazed area 
• Do be vigilant on entering a grazed area and take notice of what livestock type is grazing such as bulls or cattle with calves
• If livestock are blocking your path, find another way round them then re-join the path as soon as possible 
• Avoid placing yourself between cows and their calves 
• Do expect livestock to react to your presence, especially if you have a dog with you 
• Always walk around the herd if possible, moving steadily and keeping quiet 
• Do keep your dog on a short lead 
• Do remember to close gates behind you when walking through areas grazed by livestock 
• Do keep your distance from all livestock
• Do keep the livestock owner informed of any problems you experience by using the contact details displayed on grazing signs
• Do use an alternative permitted route away from grazing livestock if you are unsure about entering an area.

Don't

• Don’t hang onto your dog’s lead if you are threatened by livestock such as cattle or ponies - livestock will chase the dog and not you.  
• Don’t put yourself at risk by getting close to any livestock
• Don’t panic or run - if they follow you just walk on quietly 
• Don’t feed, approach, or attempt to touch any livestock
• Don’t attempt to interact with any livestock for any reason