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Rescue at Butser Hill Prompts Safety Warning as Viral Highland Cows Draw Crowds

Firefighters urge better preparation for exposed winter downland conditions.

Overview

  • Three visitors were brought to safety on Saturday after becoming disoriented in fading light and bad weather at Butser Hill in the South Downs.
  • Crews from Cosham and Havant worked with South Central Ambulance Service and used the what3words app to pinpoint the group’s location.
  • Officials link rising footfall to TikTok clips of the site’s Highland cattle, with some videos drawing tens of thousands of likes.
  • Station manager Steve Jenkins cautioned that thick gorse, slippery ground and limited daylight raise risks of slips, falls and hypothermia without proper gear and planning.
  • The fire service advises checking forecasts, planning routes, wearing sturdy footwear, carrying supplies and keeping phones charged; no one was harmed in the incident.