A WOMAN who died after being injured by a cow in the New Forest has been named, as the inquest into her death opens.

Pamela Joyce Barnwell, 88, of Normandy Way in Fordingbridge, was walking her dog in the New Forest on October 21 when she was involved in an incident with a cow.

Following the incident, Mrs Barnwell was taken to hospital, where she died of her injuries.

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

Mr Walker said that the preliminary cause of Mrs Barnwell's death was pelvic haemorrhage and polytrauma. She also had a background of ischemic heart disease.

The full inquest has been adjourned until September 15 next year, with Mr Walker ordering statements from emergency services, the New Forest District Council on the monitoring of wild stock, and a statement from the owner of the cow.

As previously reported, the death of Mrs Barnwell has resulted in calls for greater safety in the New Forest.

Mary Beesly, the cousin of Mrs Barnwell, said: “She would regularly walk her dog in the New Forest every day – I don’t believe she ever mentioned any danger.

“It’s very surreal – her passing has really upset me and as the days go past it plays on my mind more and more.

“For me as someone who is not from the area, I’m really surprised that incidents like this have not happened before in the New Forest.

“I have tried to call around some local people and organisations and they all tell me the same thing – animals have always been free to roam in the New Forest.

“I think something ought to be done to make sure people are kept safe while walking there.”