Electric Fences For Lakes

Walkers in the Lakes may soon be confronted by electric fences if a National Trust application to Defra is accepted, but the main danger seems to be to blood pressure...

Two areas, one below Crinkle Crags between the Hardknott and Wrynose Passes the other on Ulpha Common in the Duddon Valley area would get a total of 19 km of electrified fencing to help NT farmers to restock the land with sheep.

Around 2,000 hefted Herdwick sheep belonging on Trust land were culled because of foot and mouth. The problem is that the replacement sheep don't have the territorial instincts built up over years so need to be contained to prevent them wondering off to, say, Blackpool.

Re-hefting is, apparently, very labour intensive, hence the fences, which it's envisaged will stay for around four years.

The reaction from pressure group Friends of the Lake District was one of predictably disproportionate panic. Friends director Ian Brodie is quoted as saying: "If walkers come off places like Crinkle Crags in mist and bad weather and come across an electric fence, what do they do?

"If people want to get down quickly and safely then there could be a safety issue. We want to know what the effects are if a walker touches these fences."

As anyone who's accidentally touched a livestock containing electric fence will know, the wiring produces a mildly unpleasant jolt. Just as well really or the fences would be draped with deep-fried ramblers and ex-sheep. In reality the worst thing about them is the rhythmic ticking from the generator, which actually is a cause for concern.

Don't panic Mr Mainwaring...