Walking Safely - Tick Prevention Week
Safety
If you are going for a walk, it recommended that you:
- Dress appropriately - avoid denim and any other clothing that doesn't dry quickly. It is better to wear lots of lighter layers, which can be removed or added. Sturdy footwear and waterproofs are also a must.
- Carry the right equipment including an Ordnance Survey map (OS Explorer OL41); compass; first aid kit; high energy snack; something to drink; mobile phone (be aware that coverage can be patchy); whistle.
- Always let someone know where you're going and what time you expect to be back.
- Do not take any unnecessary risks.
If you are in difficulty or see someone in difficulty, please dial 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue.
To report any other incident contact:
- Countryside Service - 01772 534 709, open 9am- Monday to Friday
- Lancashire Constabulary 0845 1 25 35 45 or 999 for emergencies
Countryside / Moorland Code
From a gentle stroll or relaxing picnic, to a long distance walk or heart pumping adventure, the countryside provides every opportunity for enjoyment and relaxation. If you follow the Countryside Code wherever you go, you'll get the best enjoyment possible and you'll help to protect our open spaces now and for future generations.
- Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs
- Leave gates and property as you find them
- Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home
- Keep dogs under close control
- Consider other people
- Prevent uncontrolled moorland fires
Tick Awareness
What is a tick?
Ticks are tiny creatures called parasites which feed on the blood of lots of types of animals and sometimes people. They travel by walking on the ground and up plants, or are transported by birds and animals, then they wait for an animal or person to pass by, drop onto it or hook onto it with special hooks on their legs.
What does a tick look like?
Ticks vary in colour and in size, depending on the type of tick, whether it is male or female, and whether it is a baby, juvenile or an adult. Ticks are very tiny, with the largest (unfed) tick being 3mm.
Why are ticks a risk to people and pets?
Ticks normally choose wildlife and farm livestock to be their hosts. However, people and pets send out the same signals as the tick's usual hosts. Some ticks can carry organisms in their saliva. When they bite, the saliva can enter the bloodstream of the host and this can make them ill.
Because winters are warmer, and because there have been changes in farming methods, as well as other factors, there are more ticks about. Ticks are also spreading into new places where they weren't found before. Because of this, and because more people tend to be involved in outdoor activities, a greater number of people get bitten by ticks. This means that more people get diseases from the ticks.
Diseases passed on by ticks are called tick-borne diseases. The most common tick-borne disease to affect people in the UK and Ireland is Borreliosis, which is also called Lyme borreliosis or Lyme disease.
To find out more about ticks and how to protect yourself Download a comprehensive tick awareness leaflet produced by BADA-UK - Tick and tick-borne dieseases in the UK and Ireland
Tick Bite Prevention Week - 11th to 17th April 2011 
Sustainable Tourism
The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a protected landscape that has international importance for its heather moorland, blanket bog and rare birds. In 2005 the AONB became the first protected area in England to be awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas, joining just 30 other areas across Europe.The Charter is awarded to protected areas that are delivering tourism that is both nature and landscape friendly and which contributes to the economic development of the region. The Charter approach ensures that organisations, local people and businesses are working together to protect the area, whilst at the same time increasing opportunities for visitors to discover and enjoy its special qualities. You can contribute to sustainable tourism by:
- Leaving the car at home and using public transport instead
- Purchasing local products, including food and drink
- Making a donation to the Bowland Tourism Environment Fund through donation boxes at participating businesses in the area
Follow this link to view the full Visitor Code
