A Derbyshire farmer has announced plans to breed his Highland cows with a different breed in a bid to make them less photogenic, thereby deterring social media influencers from approaching them. Alex Birch has seen his once-quiet farm turn into a popular attraction for tourists eager for selfies with the iconic cattle.
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Birch, whose family has owned Highland cows since the 1970s, explained that the constant influx of visitors has disrupted the tranquillity of his herd. The 39-year-old has noticed an alarming increase in the number of people encroaching upon the animals, often for the sake of posting eye-catching content online. “It’s gotten to the point where the cows don’t get any peace,” Birch told BBC Derby.
According to Birch, the situation has escalated to the extent that he has witnessed a person attempting to film a yoga routine in close proximity to his cattle, as well as an occasion where around 30 tourists converged on the animals, cameras flashing. It has become increasingly clear to him that the allure of Highland cows on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok has transformed his farm into a hotspot for photo enthusiasts.
The Highland cows are typically found roaming on moorlands at Baslow Edge in the Peak District National Park. They have been a source of fascination for tourists over the last four years, with visitors regularly seeking out these animals to capture their charm on camera. However, Birch feels responsible for the safety of both the cattle and the visitors, expressing concern that someone could be injured while trying to take a photograph.
Reflecting on his decision, Birch noted, “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 understands.” The emotional weight of this decision has taken its toll, as his family has cherished the cows for over five decades.
The Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) has echoed Birch’s sentiments by issuing warnings to tourists regarding their behaviour around the cattle. The authority cautioned against approaching the animals for photographs, feeding them, or engaging in the increasingly popular trend of hugging cows—a practice that has been noted by users on TikTok. They noted the potential risks, warning that visitors could be trampled or put themselves and the animals in dangerous situations.
In a recent conversation with Derbyshire Times, Birch expressed his frustrations candidly. “I’ve just had enough,” he remarked. “I voluntarily let people post about the cows, but I’m tired of it. Groups on social media have created a tourist attraction based on my cows, and it’s led to a following I neither want nor need. I simply want the cows to be left alone.”
With rising concerns regarding both cow safety and human welfare, Birch hopes that his breeding initiative will help alleviate the situation. His decision has not only personal implications but could also impact perceptions about farming practices and tourism in the region.
As Birch navigates this dilemma, he is confronting a challenging intersection of agriculture, tourism, and social media culture. This case underscores broader conversations about the responsibility we have towards both our livestock and the environments in which they reside, especially when fame and social media are involved. The resolve he has shown in prioritising the wellbeing of his herd might serve as a wake-up call for others in similar circumstances.