Butser Hill: Warning issued after three tourists rescued while searching for viral cows at UK beauty spot
Firefighters have issued a stern warning to visitors to popular beauty spot Butser Hill that three people need to be rescued in harsh weather conditions.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the South Downs National Park area near Petersfield on Saturday; Here, as the daylight faded, the group lost its direction.
The warning comes as the hill, known for its Highland cattle, has received significant attention on social media recently.
A spokesman for the service issued a stern warning to tourists: “We are seeing an increase in visitors to Butser Hill in Hampshire after the area’s Highland cows went viral on social media.
“Three people were rescued from the hill, highlighting the risks of visiting the area at this time of year.
“Teams were called to help 3 people who were confused in the area due to bad weather conditions and decreasing daylight.
“As temperatures dropped and rain set in, the group quickly found themselves in a difficult situation. Firefighters from Cosham and Havant worked alongside colleagues from South Central Ambulance Service.
“Despite the challenging conditions, the individuals were quickly located using the What3words app to narrow down their location.”
Station manager Steve Jenkins said: “Social media posts often show Highland cows and panoramic views, but rarely reflect the physical effort or preparation required to achieve them.
“The terrain can be challenging, especially in the winter months when bad weather is more frequent and daylight is limited.
“The area is covered in thick gorse and the wet weather has made the ground very slippery.
“Without proper preparation, visitors face the risk of slips, falls and hypothermia. We are glad no one was harmed during this incident, but this highlights the risks of visiting an open downland environment where conditions can change rapidly.”
Mr Jenkins advised visitors to the countryside to check weather conditions, plan a route before heading out and wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy shoes.
Other suggestions include carrying food, water and a fully charged phone and using location apps such as What3words, which can help pinpoint the location if someone gets lost.
