Most farm animals are pretty docile on the whole but there's plenty of advice from official organisations like DEFRA telling everyone to be cautious in approaching them. When SWT announced their intention to put Highland Cattle on a large section of previously ungrazed moor, numerous people declared that this was wrong because it would discourage visitors on a site which is set aside for recreational use. SWT and their friends dismissed and then scorned the concerns.
The crucial group is the horse riders who have children who ride along the bridleways through the newly installed gates. Riding on Blacka can be an excellent activity for children. They can be independent and ride after school in the summer months in a place which has always been safe. Cows are stupid and obstinate creatures and will stand their ground unless you approach them making a lot of noise with threatening gestures. This is often not in character for small girls on ponies and anyway the cows don't see the ponies as a threat even with humans on them. The result can be a stand off with the children getting upset. Failing to see this as being a problem or failing to acknowledge it when it happened were typical of SWT's unimaginative management style.
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