Colleagues have paid tribute to a woman who was killed by a cow after going on a walk in the New Forest.

Pam Barnwell, 88, was walking her dog near Roger Penny Way in Godshill on October 21 when she was seriously injured by the large farm animal.

The Fordingbridge resident was rushed to hospital where she died.

Mrs Barnwell spent more than 20-years working at Meesons & Spurlings Solicitors in Ringwood and the firm has now paid tribute to her contributions to the firm.

Director Edward Holmes said: “Pam was diminutive in stature but huge in personality. 

“At 88 years of age she worked part time in our company for over 20 years as an archivist. 

“She enjoyed her job which she was very good at and being Pam, she had no intention to retiring.

“She was loved by both old and young throughout the company and we are all devastated by her loss in such tragic circumstances while undertaking her daily walk in the New Forest with her beloved dog Rosie.

“Rest in peace Pam, we miss you.”

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She was known to regularly walk Rosie in the forest and had not experienced any issues before.

The inquest into Mrs Barnwell's death was opened at Winchester Coroners' Court on Tuesday, October 29, by area coroner Nicholas Walker.

Mr Walker said that the preliminary cause of death was pelvic haemorrhage and polytrauma.

The inquest will be heard on 15 September 2025.

Pam’s passing has triggered calls for increased safety in the New Forest area, where animals are free to roam across roads and grassland.

Hampshire County Council added: "While the county council would install highways related signage, primarily intended for drivers, responsibility for livestock, on land that a right of way crosses, and any associated required signs, would rest with the owners of the animals."