Blistered snout sparks foot-and-mouth fears

Lovers of the outdoors are breathing a sigh of relief after foot-and-mouth-disease tests on an Essex pig proved negative.The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) had closed an abattoir near Brentwood, run by Cheale Meats.

47,000 web items no threat to Stagecoach boss

The hearing into a Scottish millionairess’s bid to exclude her land from the country’s right-to-roam laws resumed yesterday.Ann Gloag, the Stagecoach bus company magnate, wants to exclude the public, including walkers, runners and bikers from part of the Kinfauns Castle estate in Perthshire.Yesterday, Perth Sheriff Court heard from security analyst Andrew Ashwood who said he found 47,000 articles (should be 47,001 after this – Ed) on the Internet relating to Mrs Gloag, but none contained threats against her.

Welsh police warning after wildlife shootings

Walkers in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park are being asked to be on the lookout for armed trespassers.Police and park officials say there have been instances of individuals going on to private farmland in the Newport and Moylegrove areas and shooting wildlife.An authority spokesman said: "The widespread killing of vulnerable wildlife is totally unacceptable.

BMC hillwalking talk to tour country

Beginners and experienced hillwalkers can benefit from a series of talks being run by the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) early next year.Speakers will be Helen Barnard and Ian Brodie and topics covered will include navigation, route finding, scrambling, weather and the use of Global Positioning System devices.

Vicki leads quest for Tom Weir tribute

grough is old enough to remember when a petition was something thrust under your nose as you tried to fight your way through the crowds intent on spending their money in the High Street on a Saturday afternoon.Well, not anymore.

Walker's body found in Lake District

The body of a missing walker was found by Lake District search teams yesterday. His faithful dog was keeping vigil at his side when rescuers found him...

Free Yorkshire Dales guide for youngsters

A national park is trying to tempt young people to sample its attractions.The Yorkshire Dales authority has produced a booklet detailing the best way of getting around the area either under their own steam or with others.Left, Ribblehead viaduct and IngleboroughThe free publication, What Are You Doing This Weekend.

Kinfauns: life would be madness without fence

It would be ‘madness’ living in Kinfauns Castle without its controversial perimeter fence.That’s the view of Stagecoach millionairess Ann Gloag’s husband David McCleary, who said there had recently been a foiled attempt to steal treasures from the Perthshire mansion.Businessman Mr McCleary was giving evidence in the resumed hearing into Mrs Gloag’s attempt to exclude the public from her estate under Scotland’s right-to-roam legislation.

Trust will run winter skills course

There’s another chance to upgrade your winter skills next year, thanks to a trust which runs in memory of a climber who died on the Matterhorn.The Jonathan Conville Memorial Trust, named after a 27-year-old Outward Bound instructor who perished 26 years ago, is offering the chance of a one-day course in the Lake District for a bargain price.Above: winter skils, moving on steep snowTwo courses are being run on consecutive days, 2 and 3 March next year, based at Borrowdale Youth Club.