Tick Warning

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Ticks can cause serious health problems, they become more active as the weather gets warmer.

Their main habitat is long grass, woodland, heathland, and a favourite is bracken. This makes us good targets for the little beasts. About 10% of them carry Lyme disease which can be transmitted to us and our dogs. Using insect repellent is a good first step to keeping them at bay.

After a good hike in areas that might harbour them its a good idea to check yourself all over to make sure you haven’t let one take up residence. If you have a very good friend you could have some fun checking each other.

The main point is to be aware and remove them in the correct manner. If you try to prise one off with your fingers, bits will be left behind. Don’t burn them off with a fag or put spirit on them. They can easily be taken off with one of the many tick removing gadgets you can get in most

walking shops for a few quid. Get one and keep it in your rucksack.

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Cow Warning

So are Cows dangerous?  The vast majority of times they are not, but they can feel like a bit of a threat.  

From our position what should our action be?  Some just take a position of total avoidance and not enter a field where there are cows but often we are in the field without realising the cows are present. Apparently the cows are more of an issue just after being released into the pasture after over wintering under cover. They are a bit more frisky. A sign a cow is becoming aggressive is their ears prick up in a ten to two position as they approach. Most cows will stop if you hold your ground keep calm and walk on. Unless you can quickly get over a wall or through a gate running is not recommend. A cow can apparently get up to 25mph over a short distance so is only slightly slower than Usain Bolt.

Having a dog present could increase the possibility of an incident especially if there are calves. Do walk quickly and quietly and walk around the heard. DO NOT GET BETWEEN COWS AND CALVES. Initially your dog should be on a leash under control and kept quiet. If approached and you are concerned, release the dog, cows are more likely to chase it than you, the dog is quicker and more nimble and has every chance of escaping on its own. People love their dogs but don’t put yourself at risk.  Try not to panic and run.

Having an incident involving cows is still pretty rare, common sense and a bit of thought will continue to make the Club a Cow Safe place to be.

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