Kent’s viral Highland cows: Kent Wildlife Trust is urging visitors to keep their distance
A herd of Highland cows in Kent has become an unlikely social media sensation – and now wildlife experts are asking fans to admire them from afar.
Last updated 11th Mar 2026
A TikTok video featuring the shaggy, horned cows at Hothfield Heathlands nature reserve, near Ashford, has led to a surge in visitors to the site, according to Kent Wildlife Trust, which manages 85 reserves across the county.
The charity says it’s delighted people are taking an interest in the animals and the heathland - but growing numbers of visitors are getting too close for comfort.
‘They are not pets’
Staff at Kent Wildlife Trust have reported people actively approaching the cows, trying to stroke them and getting close for photos. While the cows may look calm and cuddly, rangers are warning that this behaviour is risky for both people and animals.
Jessica Allam, senior wilder grazing ranger at the trust, said the team is pleased the cows have “captured people’s hearts online”, but reminded visitors that “they are not pets”.
“Please don’t touch them and give them the space they need,” she said.
Vital for conservation, not just cute content
The Highland cows aren’t just there for the TikTok fame. They play an “essential role” as conservation grazers, helping to restore and manage the heathland ecosystem at Hothfield Heathlands.
By grazing in a natural way, they help control vegetation, create a range of habitats and support biodiversity.
Kent Wildlife Trust says their work depends on the animals remaining calm and undisturbed – something that becomes harder if people are crowding or trying to interact with them.
Safety guidelines for visiting Hothfield Heathlands
To protect both the cows and the public, Kent Wildlife Trust is asking visitors to follow some simple guidelines when they visit:
- Keep a minimum distance of 10 metres (around 32 feet) from all livestock
- Do not touch, feed or approach the animals
- Keep dogs on a short lead at all times around livestock
- If an animal approaches you, stay calm and walk away slowly
The trust says following these rules means people can continue to enjoy the reserve, while the cows can carry on quietly doing their job for nature.
Enjoy the cows - responsibly
Kent Wildlife Trust is clear that it welcomes visitors who want to see the now-famous Highland cows in real life. But the message is simple: enjoy the view, take your photos from a sensible distance, and let the animals get on with their important conservation work.