Quantock Hills. An Area of Outstanding Beauty

June is a wonderful month to get outside and enjoy the Quantock scenery.  It is also a vital month for a lot of breeding wildlife such as ground nesting birds and Red Deer calves.  Quantock Hills AONB Service Rangers are reminding the public that these animals are vulnerable and that unnecessary disturbance can be avoided by keeping a respectful distance from the deer and keeping dogs under close control.

Red Deer Hinds (female deer) calve in sheltered, quite places and if you are lucky enough to spot a Red Deer calf please remember that during the first few days it is quite normal for the calf to be left alone between suckling bouts.  If you are at all concerned about the welfare of a deer please contact the Quantock Hills AONB office on 01823 451884.

The warmer weather this month means walkers will need to protect themselves against bringing home more than just fond memories. Ticks are becoming more common and a bite from this spider-like parasite could lead to Lyme Disease.  This is a treatable infection caused by bacterium transmitted by ticks when they bite. Not every tick carries Lyme Disease and it is important to know that the disease is relatively rare. 

Senior Ranger Tim Russell has some helpful advice
“There are some simple precautions you can take to reduce your chances of getting bitten by a Tick.  Keep to paths and tracks.  If passing through areas of rough vegetation it’s a good idea to tuck trousers into socks.  Check your clothing and exposed skin for ticks at regular intervals and again at the end of the day. “

A leaflet with more information is available from the Quantock Hills AONB Office based at Fyne Court in Broomfield, or call 01823 451884 and http://www.tickalert.org is a very useful website.  For further information on walking your dog in the countryside go to http://www.somerset.gov.uk  Environment / Rights of Way and download leaflet ‘Guide for dog owners and walkers.

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