Elderly dog walker trampled to death by cow in New Forest, inquest finds

An 88-year-old woman who regularly walked her dog in the New Forest National Park died after being trampled by a cow, an inquest at Winchester Coroner's Court has concluded.

Assistant Coroner Emma Morris recorded the death of Pamela Barnwell as accidental, giving the immediate cause as pelvic haemorrhage and multiple injuries, with ischemic heart disease listed as a contributing factor. Ms Barnwell, described in court as "fit and active," was found on October 21, 2024, by Forestry England rangers on the village cricket green at Godshill surrounded by 20 to 30 cattle.

Rangers who had stopped to check car parks shortly after 1 p.m. discovered Ms Barnwell on the ground, calling for help. According to a statement summarised to the court, a Forestry England volunteer said the animals were gathered near a small building on the far side of the car park and that some calves were present. Ms Barnwell told a ranger that one of the cows had knocked her over and trampled her. Her Jack Russell, Rosie, was found nearby and off its lead.

Emergency services were called and Ms Barnwell was taken to Southampton General Hospital, where she suffered a cardiac arrest en route. Medical staff subsequently decided to keep her comfortable because of the severity of her injuries. She was unconscious when family members arrived at about 5 p.m. and died roughly 40 minutes later.

Court testimony and statements described Ms Barnwell as active for her age. Her son, Spencer, told the inquest she walked some 25 miles a week, continued to work part time as an archivist for a law firm and had a longstanding familiarity with the area. Her employers said she had worked part time for more than 20 years and enjoyed the role.

The owner of the cattle, identified in court only as Mr Reynolds and owner of Smithfield Farm in Godshill, said there had been no signs of disturbance on the day and noted that, like other livestock in the area, his cattle are permitted to roam freely within the New Forest.

The New Forest is a large protected area in Hampshire where commoning — the practice that allows certain animals to graze freely — is a traditional land use. Incidents involving livestock and members of the public are uncommon but have occurred in the past, prompting local authorities and land managers to advise visitors on how to behave around animals, particularly during calving season or when animals with young are present.

At the inquest, Mrs Morris summarised the evidence that rangers had observed a large number of animals near the green and found Ms Barnwell on the floor, conscious but having difficulty breathing. The coroner recorded the factual details of the encounter and the medical cause of death, concluding the death was accidental.

Tributes read to the court described Ms Barnwell as diminutive in stature but with a "huge personality." Colleagues at her law firm said she was loved across the company and had no intention of retiring. Her family has said she enjoyed her independence, freedom and daily walks in an area she knew well.

The inquest did not make recommendations beyond the recording of the cause and circumstances of death. Forestry England and local authorities continue to provide guidance to visitors on how to safely share the landscape with free-roaming livestock.