Archive Article: 2001/03/09
Steve Morris
Steve Morris farms in the
Forest of Bowland, Lancs, in
partnership with his wife
Valerie. Over half of the
190ha (470 acre) LFA farm
is heather fell, with a further
20ha (50 acres) of rough
grazing. It is stocked with
50 dairy cows, 280 Lonk
ewes, 100 half-breds and
40 gimmer hoggs.
AS I write, confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth are just 10 miles away, but I fear that will have changed by the time you read these notes. Disinfected straw lies across the end of the farm drive, with a bucket and brush available for those who choose to use it. What more can we do? These efforts seem futile; a token gesture.
Goodshaw Farm is riddled with public footpaths, particularly the lower land. There is hardly a field without stiles, kissing gates or wall-ladders. The people who use these rights of way fall broadly into one of three categories.
The first group is what I describe as professional ramblers. Usually in pairs, but sometimes larger groups and occasionally individuals, this type are well equipped, knowledgeable about the countryside in general and often farming in particular.
One popular footpath cuts through the farmyard, which gives us chance to engage in conversation on a whole range of issues. It is unusual to see this type of rambler with a dog in-tow. Since the foot-and-mouth outbreak this group have taken to local country lanes, still in the countryside, but thankfully they seem to be staying away from the land.
Next come the coach parties. More of a social gathering, these groups seem less inclined to communicate one to one with us but in-the-main are harmless, barring the opening and closing of gates. Often marshalled by three or four ex-army types, this category immediately took heed of the MAFF request to stay away.
Finally we have the category who appear to have a total disregard for Nick Browns requests, the farming community and common sense itself. These are usually solitary males with a large breed of dog and an off-road vehicle, which is ironic because when you meet one on a narrow lane, they seem terrified of getting off the road.
Footpaths are almost an irrelevance to this third group whose attitude can be summarised as: "Its my dog and it can defecate wherever it chooses." The first two categories probably would not classify this group as ramblers at all.
If only this final group could have their movements stopped as quickly and effectively as livestock movements have been. *
Steve Morriss land is crossed by many rights of way and not all walkers are heeding warnings to stay away, following the recent foot-and-mouth outbreak.