A MAN who was injured by a charging cow in Wareham Forest is calling for a review of the policy to allow cattle to roam freely in areas commonly used by walkers.

Allan Flewers, 77, escaped with minor injuries after a cow, which had a calf, charged at him, knocked him over and kicked his leg while he was out walking with his dogs and a neighbour.

He said no signs warning people of the free-roaming cattle were put up until the day after he reported the incident to the Forestry Commission.

After learning that there had allegedly been a similar incident involving a woman walking through the forest, Allan has called into question the policy of cattle grazing in areas of Wareham Forest used regularly by walkers and cyclists.

“I suffered only heavy bruising but it could have been much worse. It was frightening lying on the floor, curled up and waiting for another blow, but I was rather lucky that didn’t happen,” he said.

“The response of the Forestry Commission is to put up warning notices referring to dangerous beasts, which were originally described as ‘docile’.

“When I reported my incident to the forest ranger, I was told there had been no incidents last year, but I’ve heard that there were some which people haven’t reported.

“Things are possibly getting quite dangerous, especially with the tourist season approaching and more walkers going through the forest. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

The policy of ‘conservation grazing’ as a form of heathland management was introduced by Natural England. The practice involves putting cows into the forest every year in late April or early May and leaving them to roam and graze freely until September.

A spokesperson for the Forestry Commission said: "We are aware of some incidents that have taken place at Wareham Forest and the surrounding area that have recently caused concern to a few members of the public while out running or walking.

"We take complaints about livestock very seriously and we are working with the local farmer that grazes his cows here to find a solution.

"We would advise visitors, particularly dog walkers, to keep their dogs under close control and a safe distance from the livestock.

"Advisory signage is clearly displayed on site. The vast majority of visitors and residents that enjoy using the area for recreation have not observed any problems with the livestock.

"The cows are providing an important role, helping to improving the condition of the area, which is a nationally important site of special scientific interest (SSSi).

"We wish to continue to work with the local grazier to find a way for people to enjoy the benefits of walking in the area, while also supporting the long-term management of this important landscape."