A farmer in Derbyshire is considering breeding “less photogenic” cows due to social media influencers and walkers disturbing his herd for selfies, videos, and even yoga sessions. Alex Birch, a cattle farmer, plans to out-breed his Highland cows in response to the increasing trend of visitors encroaching on his livestock.
Birch expressed frustration over the lack of peace his cows experience, citing instances of people filming yoga videos next to them. The Highland cattle at Baslow Edge in the Peak District have become a social media attraction, prompting visitors to get too close despite warnings from the Peak District National Park Authority.
Despite repeated advisories against approaching the cows, Birch observed crowds of people with cameras surrounding the animals, putting them at risk. He emphasized the dangers posed by such behavior, noting the potential for injury and liability issues for farmers.
To address the problem, Birch is considering crossbreeding his Highland cows with another hill breed to make them less appealing to visitors. He acknowledged the difficulty of this decision but stressed the necessity given the escalating nature of the issue, exacerbated by the surge in social media use, especially during the pandemic.
The Peak District National Park Authority cautioned against hugging cows, highlighting the risks of being trampled, charged, or attacked, particularly when cows have calves. Birch lamented the persistent disregard for safety measures, noting that the influx of influencers and sightseers has been ongoing for several years.
The clash between locals and visitors due to excessive social media use is not unique to this scenario. Instances of locals taking action to deter influencers, such as shutting down roads, have been reported in other areas. Some individuals have even made a habit of interrupting influencers to remind them of public space etiquette.
In conclusion, the challenges posed by social media influencers and the need to ensure the safety of livestock emphasize the importance of responsible behavior in public spaces.