Wild Cows A Danger To Walkers...

Walkers in Northumberland could be in serious danger from wild cattle if an area which is home to a herd is opened up as part of the Right To Roam legislation.

The Chillingham Wild Cattle Park near Wooler, Northumberland, is home to an ancient herd of feral white cows - see pic - who have apparently lived there for 700 years and, according to the herd's guardians could be 'extremely dangerous' to walkers.

The 300-acres of moorland is surrounded by an eight-foot fence and forests, but could be opened up under revisions to the Rights of Way Act, which has led to protests from the Chillingham Wild Cattle Association.

Lord James Joicey, a local landowner and member is quoted in The Journal as saying that: "There is considerable risk factor in allowing unrestricted public access to the park because the cattle are wild and could cause considerable injury if provoked." The association is also concerned to maintain the 'biosecutiry' of the herd.

If you're as cynical as us, you're probably thinking along the lines of 'another thinly veiled landowner excuse', but The Journal seems to think the cattle are genuinely dangerous and have gored at least one local aristocrat in the past...

Full bovine details here.