A farmer in Derbyshire is considering breeding “less photogenic” cows due to social media influencers and walkers disrupting his herd for selfies, videos, and even yoga sessions. Alex Birch, a cattle farmer, expressed his frustration with visitors getting too close to his Highland cows at Baslow Edge in the Peak District. Despite warnings from the Peak District National Park Authority about the dangers of approaching livestock, Birch highlighted instances of people disregarding the advice and even filming yoga videos next to his cows.
The issue has escalated over the years, especially during the pandemic, prompting Birch to opt for out-breeding his Highland cows with another hill breed to deter visitors. He emphasized the safety risks involved, including potential injuries and liability for farmers. The Peak District National Park Authority reiterated the hazards of hugging cows, particularly when they have calves, as it could lead to trampling or attacks.
Birch emphasized the persistence of visitors engaging in such behavior, causing ongoing clashes with locals. Instances of communities taking action against influencers for disrupting public spaces have been reported, reflecting a growing trend of social media users disregarding boundaries. In response to these challenges, Birch stressed the importance of respecting public spaces and shared environments, urging influencers to be mindful of their impact on others.