Most spiders in the UK are termed 'harmless' in that their bites are akin to a mozzie or midgie bite, however we do have about a dozen or so resident species of spider in the UK that can cause significant damage or unpleasant effects. With about a further half dozen non-native species that regularly find their way into the UK mostly via fruit that are known to have severe toxins that are capable of causing death in the right circumstances, though these are thankfully very few and far between and are mostly localized within the area of the fruit, so very unlikely to come across them in the woods. (Not yet any way). Mozzie nets are always worth investing in, and providing that you do not mind the smell 'Udder Cream' is a known deterrent of spiders and some other insects also. Rubbing this on will help keep them away from you, (also good for chaffed skin etc). It doesn't have an unpleasant smell, but it is a noticeable odor. Can be quite expensive if buying from shops and chemists, however if you contact any farmer, they are usually quite happy to sell you some very cheap as the stuff comes in 1kg tubs from the vet for about £10 but can cost about this for a small jar of it from the shops. Just thought that I would mention it since we were on the topic of spiders
“From now on it is only through a conscious choice and through a deliberate policy that humanity can survive.â€Â
Pope John Paul II
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