There are a number of articles on this site ( under 'Latest News') that you should read.

Infection occurs by the bite of a certain species of tick that is found in the countryside, or sometimes in rural parks. The tick is more frequent when in association with bracken and where deer or sheep are to be found. The general advice given for avoiding getting a tick on you in the first place is, -  to wear long sleeve shirts, don't have bare legs, tuck trousers into socks, don't wear sandals.

If you are unfortunate enough to get a tick attached to you, it is important to know how to remove it. The web site www.hpa.org.uk gives the following advice for tick removal:-

Using a pair of forceps or tweezers, or tick removal hooks, grip the head of the attached tick as close to the point of attachment on the skin as possible
Gently apply pressure and pull steadily upwards, without twisting and taking care not to crush the tick
Clean the skin with soap and water, or skin disinfectant
Wash hands after tick removal
Do not be alarmed if the tick mouthparts remain in the skin as this will not increase the risk of acquiring lyme borreliosis. Using a skin disinfectant on the area will reduce the risk of developing ordinary skin infections
Do not burn the tick off, nor use Vaseline, alcohol, nail varnish remover or other substances to remove the tick
Place the tick/s in a plastic container and seal
Label the container so that the accompanying details recorded can be identified
Place sealed container in an envelope and post to the address above
Should you develop any symptoms of illness (rash, fever, flu-like symptoms) following tick removal, please seek advice from your GP.

Further advice from a linked site is :-

Remove a tick from your skin as soon as you notice it. Use fine-tipped tweezers to firmly grasp the tick very close to your skin. With a steady motion, pull the tick’s body away from your skin. Then clean your skin with soap and warm water. Throw the dead tick away with your household trash.
Avoid crushing the tick’s body. Do not be alarmed if the tick’s mouthparts remain in the skin. Once the mouthparts are removed from the rest of the tick, it can no longer transmit the Lyme disease bacteria. If you accidentally crush the tick, clean your skin with soap and warm water or alcohol. Don’t use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish, or other products to remove a tick.

"Lyme disease can be hard to spot as it has a variety of symptoms, and can easily be mistaken for something else. "
"The most common symptom is a slowly expanding rash which spreads out from a tick bite, usually after about five to 14 days. "
"Typical symptoms also include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. "
"Ticks can be found in shrubs, undergrowth and grasses."