Derbyshire Farmer Takes Drastic Action Against Influencer Selfie Craze
A cattle farmer from Derbyshire has vowed to make his Highland cows less photogenic through crossbreeding, in a bold attempt to stop social media influencers from flocking to hug the animals and take selfies. Alex Birch, 39, has taken the situation by the horns after years of disruption caused by visitors seeking viral content with his rustic cattle.
Four Years of Persistent Disruption
Mr Birch said his cows do not get any peace from the constant influx of influencers, with the problem intensifying since the pandemic. He has witnessed visitors filming yoga videos next to the animals, tickling and stroking them, and even cornering them in fields with cameras flashing. This is not just the odd occasion, this has been going on for four years, he explained, noting that people are so persistent despite warnings.
The trend began after the Highland cows, which have been in his family since his grandfather introduced them in the 1970s, went viral on social media for their adorable looks. Roaming the scenic moorland of Baslow Edge in the Peak District, they have attracted visitors from across the country, with a particular spike in interest in recent years.
Dangerous Encounters and Legal Risks
The Peak District National Park Authority has repeatedly warned visitors against getting too close, feeding, or taking selfies with cows, stating that hugging them is highly dangerous due to risks of being trampled, charged, or attacked. This risk increases when cows have calves. Mr Birch expressed concern that if someone were injured, he could be held liable for prosecution. People just can't understand it when you tell them not to approach them and that the cows might turn on them, he said, adding that visitors often cannot see the danger.
Videos on platforms like TikTok have circulated widely, showing influencers stroking and cuddling the animals and their calves, with captions encouraging others to follow suit. One influencer documented how to reach the cows before filming themselves snuggling with them, using hashtags like #highlandcows and #peakdistrict. Another video showed a person leaning against a calf before being approached by an adult cow with large horns.
Crossbreeding as a Last Resort
Faced with no other viable options, Mr Birch has decided to crossbreed his Highland cows with another hill breed to dial down their distinctive, photogenic appearance. I have not taken the decision lightly, he admitted, noting that his grandfather is not particularly happy about it but understands the necessity. The intention is to make them less appealing to selfie-seekers, though he described it as a sad choice.
This move comes as other locations, such as Butser Hill in Hampshire, have experienced similar issues, with Queen Elizabeth Country Park urging visitors to avoid touching or approaching Highland cows amid increased social media attention. Over the Easter Bank Holiday, visitors traveled in droves to such spots, defying safety warnings.
Mr Birch's proactive approach highlights the growing conflict between agricultural life and viral social media trends, with farmers forced to adapt to protect both their livestock and public safety.
