Tick Awareness for Walkers
Ticks are small, spider-like creatures found in long grass, woodland and heathland. While most tick bites are harmless, some ticks can carry bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
Before you head out:
- Wear long sleeves and trousers where possible.
- Stick to paths and avoid brushing against long grass.
- Use insect repellent suitable for ticks.
After your walk:
- Check yourself, children and pets for ticks.
- Pay particular attention to behind the knees, under the arms, around the waist and hairline.
- Remove any ticks promptly using a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers.
Be aware of symptoms A spreading circular rash and flu-like symptoms can be signs of Lyme disease. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if symptoms develop following a tick bite.
Enjoy the outdoors safely by taking a few simple precautions.
For more information, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/.
Tips and tricks to stay safe from ticks – UK Health Security Agency
Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Bill Amendment
While not a Rambling matter, we are aware than many of our members (and groups) walk with dogs. As such we would like to bring to attention amendments to the 1953 law which has just passed through parliament and received royal assent.
- The law now applies to camelids - Llamas and Alpacas - which were presumably quite rare in 1953 and were not previously mentioned.
- The police have new powers to confiscate dogs and to take DNA and dental samples etc.
- Most significantly for us, the law now applies to roads and paths, not just dogs running loose across fields. They have deliberately been vague and inclusive about the definitions of roads and paths - so no getting off the hook if your dog attacks on a path that's not on the definitive map. This is an important improvement because the old law did not apply when moving livestock along country lanes between fields - something we see quite a lot. If a group of sheep are chased down a sunken lane and get wedged up against a gate that now also comes within scope of the law. Basically, unless the livestock have entered your land without approval, you have no defence for letting your dog attack them because you weren't expecting them in such a place.
In case of misinformation its worth us noting what is not in the law.
- There are no new restrictions on where you can take a dog and there is nothing to say they must now be on leads.
Asian Hornet - Request to remain vigilant.
While we are not in the summer months and as ramblers we may not be considering Asian Hornets we have been asked to remain vigilant. In particular as nests and queens may be more visible in the winter months as there may be less foliage.
More details on how to identify and report a sighting of a Asian Hornet is in the document found by clicking here.
NOTE: Should you see an Asian Hornet nest (or Queen) you are not recommended to approach. Simply photograph and report using the associated information.
Our Web Presence
Several questions have been asked relating to the web pages that Wiltshire Ramblers have. A document has been created in order to explain what our 'Web Presence' is, the WebSites which contribute to it and how you can keep up to date.
Click Here to Access the Document