In a striking response to persistent disturbances from social media enthusiasts, a Derbyshire farmer has announced he may begin breeding "less photogenic" cows to deter visitors from approaching his livestock for selfies and video content.
The Social Media Onslaught
Alex Birch, a cattle farmer from Derbyshire, has reported that his Highland cows at Baslow Edge in the Peak District are facing relentless intrusion from TikTokers and walkers. These individuals frequently disturb the herd to capture photographs, film yoga sessions, or create other video clips, ignoring official warnings about the dangers of approaching livestock.
"My cows don't get any peace," Birch stated. "I've witnessed videos, seen incidents firsthand, and even observed someone filming a yoga video right next to them. This behaviour has become increasingly common, especially since the pandemic, with people failing to recognise the potential risks."
Escalating Incidents and Safety Concerns
Birch described one alarming event where approximately thirty people surrounded the cattle with flashing cameras, pushing the animals toward the edge of a field. Despite repeated cautions from the Peak District National Park Authority—which advises against approaching, feeding, or taking selfies with cows—many visitors disregard these guidelines.
"People just can't understand it when you tell them not to approach them and that the cows might turn on them," he explained. "They don't think it's a problem; they can't see the danger." The authority has emphasised that hugging cows is "highly dangerous," particularly when calves are present, as it can lead to trampling, charging, or attacks.
A Drastic Breeding Solution
Faced with this ongoing issue, Birch is contemplating out-breeding his Highland cattle by crossing them with another hill breed to reduce their visual appeal. "We are going to breed them out, we're going to cross them with a different hill breed," he confirmed. "The intention is to make them less photogenic... it's sad, it's not a decision I wanted to make, my grandfather is not particularly happy about it but he does understand."
This measure, Birch noted, is not taken lightly. His family has maintained Highland cattle since the 1970s, and the problem has escalated significantly over the past four years. He also highlighted liability concerns, noting that farmers could face legal repercussions if someone is injured due to these interactions.
Broader Context of Social Media Intrusion
The situation in Derbyshire reflects a wider trend of conflicts between locals and social media influencers in public spaces. For instance, in 2023, residents in a Vermont town closed a road to deter influencers seeking autumn scenery. Similarly, in 2024, a man described habitually interrupting influencers filming in public, arguing on Reddit that public spaces should be shared respectfully without monopolising them for content creation.
Birch emphasised that the TikToker influx is not an isolated occurrence. "This is not just the odd occasion, this has been going on for four years," he said. "People are so persistent." As social media continues to drive such behaviours, farmers like Birch are forced to consider unconventional strategies to protect their livestock and ensure public safety.
