Three people rescued from Butser Hill after going in search of Highland cows in viral social media trend
Three people have been rescued from Butser Hill after going in search of the area’s Highland cows in a viral social media trend.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue have issued safety advice following yesterday’s rescue (Saturday, January 24), warning that picture-perfect scenes captured on social media do not reflect the reality of the terrain.
It was forced into action after an unprepared trio got into difficulty on the South Downs National Park site after trying to find the cows. It comes after pictures and video of the Highland cows, which are regular visitors to the hill, swept social media.
The service service said crews from Havant and Cosham, as well as the ambulance service, were called to assist three individuals who had become disoriented in the area, amid bad weather conditions and fading daylight. The fire service's dedicated 4×4 was required to provide visibility during the rescue.
“With temperatures dropping and rain setting in, the group quickly found themselves in difficulty,” the fire service said. “Despite challenging conditions, the individuals were swiftly located using the what3words app to narrow down their location.”
The rescue comes after pictures and video of the Highland cows, which are regular visitors to Butser Hill, swept social media. The carpark at the top of Butser Hill has also been quickly filling up, with staff at Queen Elizabeth Country Park urging visitors to use the car park at the bottom of the hill instead.
Station Manager Steve Jenkins said: “Social media posts often show the Highland cows and panoramic views, but rarely reflect the physical effort or preparation required to reach them. The terrain can be challenging, especially during winter when poor weather conditions are more frequent and the daylight hours are limited.
“The area is covered in thick gorse, and the wet weather has made the ground very slippery. Without proper preparation, visitors are at risk of slips, falls and hyperthermia. We’re glad no one was harmed during this incident, but it highlights the risks of visiting an exposed downland environment where conditions can change rapidly.”
Queen Elizabeth Country Park has also warned visitors not to make haste to Butser Hill to see the cows as they are a regular feature of the hill.
It said: “There’s no need to rush up — these lovely residents are regular visitors on the hill, so you’ll have plenty of chances to see them! There is also plenty of parking at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, with the option to walk up. Please remember to respect the cows and admire them from afar.”
Safety advice
Butser Hill is a popular beauty spot, however:
- The terrain can be steep and slippery, and chalk paths can be unstable after rainfall
- Weather can deteriorate quickly, leading to wind exposure and poor visibility
- Mobile signal can be inconsistent, making it harder to call for help
The fire service has shared these top tips for staying safe on Butser Hill:
- Familiarise yourself with the Countryside Code
- Check the weather conditions before heading out
- Dress for the conditions: wear sturdy footwear with good grip, bring warm layers and waterproof clothing, even in mild weather
- Carry water, snacks, and a fully charged phone
- Plan your route and allow enough time to return before dusk
- Walk with others if you’re unfamiliar with the area
- Location apps such as what3words can help you to pinpoint your exact location if you do become lost or disoriented
- With the carpark quickly becoming full due to increased visitors, avoid parking in a way that blocks emergency services from accessing the site