Welsh farmer’s fury after walkers leave gates open

Welsh farmer and NFU Cymru deputy president Abi Reader has been left to recover the fallout from reckless walkers who forced their way through a closed farm gate, allowing dairy cattle to escape and become trapped in a bog.

After receiving a call on Monday 29 August, Ms Reader discovered that walkers had entered a field, using wire cutters to remove barbed wire and brambles – all for the sake of a barbecue.

Consequently, a herd of 120 dairy cows escaped into neighbouring woodland, three of which became stuck in swamp-like mud.

"They were stuck right up to their stomachs – they were exhausted, and properly wedged,” Ms Reader told Farmers Weekly.

“You always wonder how on earth they have gotten in there, or whether they were chased by dogs.

“It was difficult not to sink into the depths of complete despair looking at [the cows] in that bog, and thinking how are we going to get them any help.”