As part of Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May, Lyme Disease UK is running its annual Be Tick Aware campaign, which focuses on helping people who spend time outdoors understand how to reduce their risk of tick bites, what to do if they are bitten, and how to recognise the early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease. With ticks commonly found in grassy and wooded areas across the UK, walkers are particularly at risk, especially during the spring and summer months when tick activity is at its peak.

Lyme disease cases in the UK are continuing to rise, and early detection is key to preventing more serious, long-term health complications. Many tick bites go unnoticed, so we encourage walkers to check their skin regularly, remove ticks promptly using a tick removal tool, and be aware of symptoms such as a spreading rash, flu-like illness, or unusual fatigue following a bite. By taking a few simple precautions - such as wearing long trousers, using insect repellent, carrying a tick removal tool, and staying on clear paths - walkers can continue to enjoy the outdoors safely. Further guidance and resources are available on the Lyme Disease UK website at www.lymediseaseuk.com