Farmers, gamekeepers and walkers report finding ticks ‘in droves’ on moorland in recent weeks, covering their clothing, skin and hair.
The number of ticks is increasing due to restrictions on sheep flocks, and limitations on cutting and burning vegetation introduced by Natural England, leading to an increased risk of disease for visitors, as well as those who live and work in these areas.
Moorland Association member Simon Gurney of Ladycross Moor said: “The number of ticks has increased dramatically in recent years and some areas are teeming with them. The risk of disease is a real concern. We need sheep in these landscapes – overgrown areas and bracken are jumping with ticks. The recent trend for ‘rewilding’ or leaving vegetation to grow unchecked, seems far too risky for human health, as the number of ticks is rising exponentially.”
