A prominent Cumbrian dairy farmer says they have nothing to hide from militant vegans who have called for protests at UK dairy farms.

Robert Craig, who farms at Ainstable, near Penrith, has said he is willing to give anyone a welcomed guided tour after vegans working with Project Calf published an interactive map on their website revealing the names and locations of all 18,000 dairy farms in England and Wales.

Project Calf is urging vegans to “document, protest and expose” the actions of dairy farmers as they call for the end of meat eating in the UK. The activists, who claim 24 male calves are killed every hour, are asking people to “obtain footage” and confront farmers using public footpaths through farms.

But Mr Craig said: “I am happy to welcome anyone who wants a guided tour and explain the work we do.”

He warned that the map seemingly gives vegans permission to “rock up on local farms and take footage out of context and then post it on social media”.

“I have flagged the situation to Dairy UK and posted the ‘do’s and don’ts’ to our WhatsApp groups,” he added.

Another dairy farmer says any protests would be disruptive, while farming officials fear reprisals.

Duncan Maughan, who farms at Cumrew, said he was worried any protests would cause distress to the cows: “Dairy cows do not like change. They are used to being handled by people they have come to know. This could be dangerous, cows could stampede, or there could be a bull with them.”

He added: “If they came on my farm I would ask them to leave. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

“I have nothing against veganism, but there are some vegans who are intent on pushing down farmers. What worries me is how easily things could escalate.”

The National Farmers Union has issued guidelines to members on how to deal with trespassers, and a spokesman said: “We have no issue with lawful peaceful protesting, but such protests should not turn into the harassment and intimidation of our farmer members; there should be no place in society for that. Farmers are proud of the safe traceable food they produce.”