A TikTok of Highland Cow Cuddling at Baslow Edge sparks Highland Cow Experience to launch national campaign!

For Coo Campaign - Call out irresponsible countryside visitors who approach Highland Cow and other livestock

An irresponsible TikTok creator has a reel showing people touching the Highland cows at Baslow Edge, which could lead to the removal of the fold again! Please do not approach or touch Cows without the owner’s permission. Seems like people have forgotten about the health and safety issue in 2019, which resulted in the whole herd having to be moved, with lots killed.

The Peak District National Park Authority has issued a fresh warning to visitors, advising them to steer clear of cows amid a wave of social media videos showing people hugging Highland cattle.

As previously reported, cattle grazing near Baslow Edge have become something of a tourist attraction in recent years, with many passers-by seeing the shaggy-haired fold as photogenic subjects for holiday snaps.

But the arrival of spring has brought a new wave of TikTok and Instagram videos of people getting too close for comfort, in some cases lying down next to the cattle to cuddle and stroke them – likely encouraging a stampede of social media sheep to follow suit.

In response, PDNPA has reminded visitors about the dangers of interacting with unpredictable animals.

A spokesperson said: “The Peak District National Park Authority warns against getting close, feeding, or taking selfies with cows.

“Hugging cows – the new craze recently seen on TikTok - should be avoided as it is highly dangerous due to the risk of being trampled, charged, or attacked, especially when cows have calves.”

Mingling with the cows is not only potentially dangerous, but it can also cause major headaches for farmers.

In 2019, Alex Birch was forced to slaughter many of the cattle after a member of the public complained to the Health and Safety Executive that they had behaved aggressively towards a dog on a lead, and in 2024, another report led the RSPCA to closely scrutinise the farm’s practices.

Anyone visiting the area who would like to get better acquainted with a cow can do so in a professionally supervised session, a short drive away at Whirlow Hall Farm, Sheffield where Highland Cows of the Peak runs Highland Cattle Experiences.

In a post on the Peak Highland Cows Appreciation Society Facebook page, the farm owners said:

“Please do not approach or touch Cows without the owners permission. Seems like people have forgotten about the health and safety issue in 2019, which resulted in the whole herd having to be moved, with lots killed.

“If you would like to get hands-on with Highland Cows, then please come to a Highland Cow Experience such as ours.”

For more details, visit www.highlandcowsofthepeak.co.uk

N.B. The Baslow Fold are wild farm animals owned by Gorse Bank Farm.
These free-roaming animals help to maintain the moors naturally and are not for general petting. Do not feed them, you could make them ill.
If you would like to get up close and personal with Highland Cows who you can safely pet, brush and photograph then please book one of our hands-on experiences - Peak District Highland Cow Experience

For the safety and the future of the cows, and the public visiting their home on Baslow Edge, please give them plenty of space and don't just casually walk up to them and stroke them or try to feed them, keep at a safe distance and make sure you're aware of your surroundings and try not to put yourself between a cow and their calf or a wall.

Countryside Code for Dog Walkers

Always walk calmly, keep your pet on a short lead and at a safe distance from livestock. The only exception is if you are being chased or charged at, then let the dog off the lead. It's usually the dog they see as a threat rather than you and most dogs can easily outrun a cow but the majority of us humans cannot!

Please do not allow your dogs to get close to the cows as accidents could occur that may cause injury to yourself, your dog, the cows or unborn calves, as some may be pregnant!

Please remember to bring poo bags and clean up after your dog. Dog faeces can cause serious diseases and even miscarriage in livestock through the contamination of grass and water.