Although humans and dogs enjoy countryside walks, it’s really important to follow the Countryside Code, which mostly uses common sense, in order to keep you both (and all livestock safe).
Report concerns of farm animals in the first instance (most will be thankful you did). If you can’t find them (or have no joy communicating regards concerns, call RSPCA (or Crimestoppers if you wish to remain anonymous).
- Follow local signs, and keep to marked paths
- Leave gates & property as you find them and do not block access.
- Follow farmer advice if animals are being moved.
- Do not touch or feed livestock (or horses).
- Do not touch farm machinery.
- Keep dogs under control and in sight, and pick up the poop. Put dogs on leads on Open Access land (a legal requirement between 1 March and 31 July). This is for your dog’s safety too, as farmers can legally shoot dogs that worry sheep.
Check weather forecasts before you begin (conditions can change quickly – turn back if need be).
Take care on hills and slippery paths (wear non-slip walking shoes). Wear warm visible waterproof and take a flask with hot tea! Learn to read a map and compass!
Don’t judge farmers, many have financial needs (Farming Community Help can help with free food for livestock and other goods).
How to Help an Overturned Sheep
No matter where you live or visit (but especially in areas like Cumbria, Shropshire and Northumberland that have more sheep than people), it’s worth knowing how to upturn a sheep, in case you find one lying on its back, and there is no farmer nearby.
Always find the farmer afterwards to inform, in case of medical care needed.
Follow the Countryside Code, to keep dogs & livestock safe.
Sheep don’t sleep on their backs naturally, due to having four stomach chambers. So if they fall over (sometimes due to the weight of rain or pregnancy, or even scratching an itch), they often can’t right themselves. And if not turned back up by a human, they will die.
Sheep are not stupid (they can recognise up to 50 people for up to 2 years, and even know when you are smiling at them). So do sheep a favour, and learn to upright one, so you know what to do.
It’s very simple, really. You just gently approach the sheep, grab a handful of wool and turn it back upright. The sheep will likely run off to join the flock, or be a bit wobbly at first. Stick around to ensure the sheep is okay.
Especially if the sheep fell upside down due to the weight of rain. It’s important to hold the sheep to allow the rain to drain off, so it doesn’t happen again.
Although vegans don’t wear wool, sheep do need shearing, as not doing this can create waterlogged coats, which can lead to them falling over, due to the weight of the water.
Don’t turn a sheep on its side, this could twist the intestines and cause a blockage. Obviously if you can find a farmer quickly, great. But if you need to act urgently, here’s a simple video to show you what to do.
Sheep easily spook or miscarry, so don’t expect any thanks! The sheep will likely run off.
Helping Cumbrian Farmers Treat Sheep Feet!
Did you know that Cumbria has six times more sheep than people, out of tourist season?
Herdwick sheep are suited to the isolated Cumbrian Fells climate, counted by farmers using the yan-tan-tethera method, a rhyme that uses rounds of 20 (also used in ancient times to count knitting stitches!)
On a serious note, farmers have a non-stop battle with scald and foot-rot, as the grass never dries out, due to constant rain.
Sheepeasy was invented by an engineer, it’s a seat to let farmers treat feet of sheep, goats and alpacas, while keeping them secure but docile.
A New Code for Countryside Roads
There are also plans to introduce a new Code for Countryside Roads alongside the Highway Code, as around 70% of road deaths are on rural roads, despite having far less collisions. This is thought to be due to a combination of low winter sun, fallen leaves and more ice.
Along of course with wild deer, which sadly often kills these beautiful wild creatures too. Read more on making roads safer for wildlife.
Top advice? Simply slow down, especially when going around bends and up and down hills. There is less rush on rural roads anyway, as there is less likely to be traffic.
