Topic
Topic ID 5973
13/05/2011 by alison
What a load of Bullocks!
No, really, I do mean bullocks of the bovine variety. [8)]
I was just wondering if anyone else has had a problem walking through Kings Mead since the new herd of bullocks were let loose in there a few weeks back?
In the past, I have happily walked through the meads with no real problems when the bullocks are there but this year they just seem to be chasing after people. I've witnessed joggers and dog walkers being chased (including myself + small dog on lead) and can say it is an incredibly scary thing when a load of them start stampeding!!
Trouble is I'm now having to alter my dog-walking route every evening to suit the position of the bullocks on the Meads and have noticed joggers doing the same. Is there any responsibility for the farmer to ensure his bullocks (oh I am sorry but I can't re-phrase it in any other way [:I])are not scaring people on a public footpath?[?]
Replies
Reply ID 81208
13/05/2011 by Razor
Is it private land (I dont know if it is or isnt) with public rights of access over it? If so, doesnt the farmer have every right to let his bullocks loose in there with the onus being on others with or without dogs to keep out of the bullocks ways?
Reply ID 81209
13/05/2011 by James007
It is Common Land, although the Environment Agency manage part of it around the New River.
This might help, as ambiguous as it is.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_land
Reply ID 81210
13/05/2011 by Ewoowar
Perhaps all that is needed is a sign at each entry point warning walkers that there are new animals who may react to the presence of humans and dogs.
Reply ID 81214
14/05/2011 by alison
Thanks for the info. Alas a sign will not stop you being chased. They seem to be ok during the day and just get more skittish into the evening and around dusk - the most popular time for walkers and joggers to be out and about.
Has anyone else on this forum been chased by the bullocks I wonder? Any advice about what to do when they are stampeding towards you? (I've tried running - they run pretty fast too!!)
Reply ID 81215
14/05/2011 by James007
quote:
Originally posted by Steve
The Herts and Essex Wildlife Trust manage King's Meads on behalf of the landowners GlaxoSmithKline, Thames Water, East Herts District Council, the Environment Agency and private individuals.
http://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/NatureReserves/Flagship/kingsmeads
So the landowner of all King'a Meads is GlaxoSmithKline.
When did that company buy it?
Reply ID 81217
14/05/2011 by Steve
quote:
Originally posted by James007
quote:
Originally posted by Steve
The Herts and Essex Wildlife Trust manage King's Meads on behalf of the landowners GlaxoSmithKline, Thames Water, East Herts District Council, the Environment Agency and private individuals.
http://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/NatureReserves/Flagship/kingsmeads
So the landowner of all King'a Meads is GlaxoSmithKline.
When did that company buy it?
"... on behalf of the landowners
GlaxoSmithKline, Thames Water, East Herts District Council, the Environment Agency and private individuals." Reply ID 81218
14/05/2011 by James007
quote:
Originally posted by Steve
quote:
Originally posted by James007
quote:
Originally posted by Steve
The Herts and Essex Wildlife Trust manage King's Meads on behalf of the landowners GlaxoSmithKline, Thames Water, East Herts District Council, the Environment Agency and private individuals.
http://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/NatureReserves/Flagship/kingsmeads
So the landowner of all King'a Meads is GlaxoSmithKline.
When did that company buy it?
"... on behalf of the landowners GlaxoSmithKline, Thames Water, East Herts District Council, the Environment Agency and private individuals."
Steve - which part is owned by whom?
Reply ID 81220
14/05/2011 by Steve
quote:
Originally posted by James007
quote:
Originally posted by Steve
quote:
Originally posted by James007
quote:
Originally posted by Steve
The Herts and Essex Wildlife Trust manage King's Meads on behalf of the landowners GlaxoSmithKline, Thames Water, East Herts District Council, the Environment Agency and private individuals.
http://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/NatureReserves/Flagship/kingsmeads
So the landowner of all King'a Meads is GlaxoSmithKline.
When did that company buy it?
"... on behalf of the landowners GlaxoSmithKline, Thames Water, East Herts District Council, the Environment Agency and private individuals."
Steve - which part is owned by whom?
No idea
Reply ID 81224
15/05/2011 by Mr P
quote:
Originally posted by alison
Any advice about what to do when they are stampeding towards you? (I've tried running - they run pretty fast too!!)
There is nothing to do but get out of the way/find safety.
Reply ID 81230
15/05/2011 by Ray_by_the_Beane
I must admit that I normally walk across there on Sunday lunch time and normally have no concern about walking through the bullocks when they are present, but today I just didn't like the look of them and took an alternative route. Having read this thread, I'm glad that I did, as currently I'm not up to running.
Reply ID 81372
22/05/2011 by Rachel
Have they've calmed down a bit now? Having read this thread, I was avoiding that route but I ran across there this morning and the bullocks didn't seem to notice me. I spoke to a dog-walker who said she'd experienced no problems. Alison says the problem is worse in the evenings though.
I suppose it won't be long before the poor old bullocks are hanging on hooks in an abbatoir on their way to our summer barbecues.
Reply ID 81474
31/05/2011 by alison
I think they may have calmed down a bit but I do make sure and avoid going on the paths that they're near to when I'm dog walking.
13 replies