This is Tick Alert Week, 7 to 13 May, 2007, and is a campaign which aims to raise awareness of tick-borne disease. After mosquitoes, ticks are the most serious insect for carrying disease to humans and their numbers are on the increase in the European countryside, including the UK.
Tick Borne Encephalitis (TBE) is endemic in 27 countries across mainland Europe, with 10,000 cases a year, and in the UK there were 684 cases of Lyme disease last year. TBE attacks the nervous system and can result in serious meningitis, brain inflammation and even death.
Anyone visiting the countryside is at risk from tick bites, but you can also be at risk when spending time in public spaces including beer gardens, picnic spots, parkland and open gardens. People taking part in outdoor activities and adventure pursuits such as camping, hiking, trekking, cycling and climbing are at particularly high risk.
To avoid tick bites, use a suitable insect repellent; keep all skin covered and tuck trousers into socks. Inspect skin for ticks and remove as soon as possible.
Detailed information and practical advice is available from MASTA.
Labels: Europe, Lyme Disease, outdoor, TBE, Tick Borne Encephalitis, Ticks, UK, walking
Dalby Forest is located on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park and they boast a newly opened Visitor Centre, constructed in natural materials and designed to be as sustainable as possible. It is situated just past the village of Low Dalby and incorporates a shop/information point, exhibition area, toilets, Education Room and a restaurant, which will be open in May 2007.
The centre is the focus of a £4.3m regeneration project for the area which also includes art and craft workshops, bike hire and 55 km of bike trails. An interesting trail is the
Moor to Sea cycle trail. This is an 80 mile trail, linking Pickering, Whitby and Scarborough using forest roads, bridleways and quiet roads.
There are also some nice waymarked walks in Dalby Forest offering great views of the outstanding landscape.
Labels: Dalby Forest, England, Moor to Sea cycle trail, mountain biking, UK, walking
