A VERDICT of accidental death was recorded at last Friday’s inquest into a fatal cattle attack on Lynchmere Common on January 7.

But the coroner was very clear in her closing statement concerning the death of well-known Haslemere resident Hilary Adair, 87, that lessons should be learned from the tragic incident.

A true countrywoman and regular commons walker, Mrs Adair was such an unlikely victim.

Her daughter Sue Berrisford said: “I cannot stress how strongly I agree that lessons should be learned, not only by conservation graziers, but by the general public as well.”

Tributes poured in for Hilary Adair, a true pillar of the community with a deep knowledge – as founder member of the Lynchemere Society – of the nature reserve where she so shockingly met her death.

Mrs Adair, who was walking with her dog, suffered multiple head and facial injuries and never regained consciousness after being attacked just before midday on January 7 by the herd of Belted Galloways that have been used by Lynchmere Community Grazing (LCG) to manage the commons for years.

The inquest at Crawley Coroner’s Court heard, however, the fatal assault came just a day after a couple and their dogs were chased and injured by the same animals.

Rachel and Carl Thompson reported the incident to the society, which owns the common, and to the LCG.

Describing events the following morning, eye-witness Bryony Dillamore told the inquest: “I noticed the cattle were surrounding an elderly person... with blood all over her head and chest.”

Ms Dillamore said that every time Mrs Adair moved, the cattle would become more aggressive towards her.

She immediately called the ambulance service and others and Mrs Adair was able to be rescued from the herd.

Following the fatal attack, the herd was removed from the commons and those cows will never be reintroduced.

Speaking after the inquest, Mrs Berrisford said: “I feel very strongly the public should have been warned after the January 6 incident that they should not walk on the commons until the cattle had been moved.

“It’s also my belief that people have become a little too relaxed about their responsibilities when they are on the commons, and about there being cattle present that are doing an important job.”

The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death, noting the tragedy involved a close community who all worked voluntarily in its interests, and asking for action to be taken to safeguard against future incidents.

A LCG spokesperson said: “We have the deepest sympathy for Hilary’s family. Hilary was a friend to many of us and a highly-respected local figure who truly loved the commons, which she had herself helped to secure for the community.”

A spokesperson for Lynchmere Society trustees said: “There has been a huge increase in visitors over the past few years, many of whom have little knowledge of the countryside and its wildlife.

“We must have more and better signage on all our gates and we are consulting with neighbouring organisations.”