Farm animals

Fields with farm animals

Access rights extend to such fields, but remember that some animals, particularly cows with calves but also horses, pigs and farmed deer, can react aggressively towards people. Before entering a field, check to see what alternatives there are. If you are in a field of farm animals, keep a safe distance and watch them carefully. If you have a dog with you, see the guidance on dogs.

Fields with young animals present

You can avoid disturbing sheep close to lambing time, or young animals such as calves, lambs, foals and farmed deer, by going into a neighbouring field or onto adjacent land. If this is not possible, keep as far from the animals as possible. Do not take dogs into fields where there are young animals present.

Unfenced grassland with farm animals

You can exercise access rights over open pasture, country including the Scottish uplands and the common grazing land near many crofting communities in north-west Scotland. Keep a sensible distance from animals, particularly where there are calves or lambs present, and avoid separating a cow from her calf, or driving the animals over the land. Make sure that your dog does not chase or worry livestock by keeping it under close control or on a lead.