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Rural insurer NFU Mutual has unveiled a new set of signage to help members of the public stay safe should the come into contact with cattle.

The signs, launched as part of Farm Safety Week by the insurer alongside the Farm Safety Foundation and the NFU, call for walkers to move quietly and predictability to avoid any alarm to cattle, highlighting how livestock can react to people's presence.  

They also encourage walkers to keep their dogs on leads but release immediately if chased by cattle and to give cows space if they are on or near the footpath, re-joining the route when safe to do so.

According to a recent NFU Mutual survey, only 50 per cent of more than 1,100 dog owners said they would keep their dog on the lead if chased by cattle, while 18 per cent revealed they would pick the dog up.

Eighty-six per cent welcomed advice being displayed, saying they would find signage about walking in fields with livestock helpful.

Safety

NFU vice-president David Exwood said: "When walking through a farm, it is crucial for people to remember it is a working environment and so they should prioritise their safety and remain vigilant at all times. We hope these signs will serve a valuable reminder for walkers to be mindful of their surroundings, enabling everyone to appreciate the countryside responsibly and safely."

NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Hannah Binns said farmers were proud to 'feed the nation' while at the same time enhancing the environment for everyone.  

She added: "But it is important to remember these idyllic, remote locations are also places of work and home to millions of cows.

"These signs aim to highlight livestock may be nearby and encourage walkers to enjoy the countryside responsibly and safely."

Farm Safety Foundation manager Stephanie Berkeley warned that growing number of visitors to rural locations had given rise to farmers having to consider further health and safety measures.

"Farming activities can pose risks to you, your workers, and also to any contractors or visitors - including walkers, hikers and cyclists," she explained. "In a week where it has shown incidents involving livestock continue to be the main reason members of the public lose their lives on our farms, we are proud to support this new campaign by NFU Mutual and remind farmers of their legal duty to consider the health and safety of members of the public using public rights of way through their fields."