The third in a series of safety tips by Jane Kayley-Burgess
Clothing is so important. It doesn’t just protect us from the weather (sun as well as rain and snow), it can project us from whatever we are running through. This can be nettles or brambles which might result in a bit of a sting or a scratch, or something more serious like tick bites or deep penetrating wounds.
Ticks in the UK pose a growing threat to public health as populations expand and activity windows widen. Climate change is a major driver; warmer, wetter winters have led to reports of tick activity even in winter months.
Lyme disease remains the primary concern, with over 1,500 laboratory-confirmed cases in 2024, though actual clinical cases may reach 4,000 annually. While roughly 4–6% of ticks carry the bacteria, they are now found beyond traditional woodlands in urban gardens and moorlands as well as UK parks. Three of our members have had Lyme disease recently. Fortunately they saw their GPs promptly, one woman requesting a blood test as she didn’t have the bullseye rash, making the doctor skeptical.
Furthermore, Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV) has emerged as a rare but serious threat in areas like North Yorkshire and Thetford Forest.
Both diseases can be debilitating. Prevention is key so take any advice from an organiser seriously: wear long sleeves and complete leg cover, use repellents like DEET and perform thorough tick checks after outdoor activities. It’s important to remove the whole insect, then kill it. Pharmacies sell tick-removal tools.
For more information, use these links and if you suspect you have been infected, seek professional medical advice at once.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tick-borne-encephalitis/
A course of three vaccinations are available at Superdrug Health Clinics.
Penetration wounds caused by thorns can introduce fungi, straphylococcus or tetanus. A long sleeved O top might not be fully effective against a wild rose (so prevalent in relatively new plantations) or gorse, sea buckthorn or hawthorn, but they will give some protection. If you suspect a wound has become infected, seek medical advice and check your tetanus immunisation is up to date.
