Mr Brock

13 April 2000... 7.35am If nothing else happens today I've still had a fantastic experience: Being a creature of habit I drove to fetch the morning paper at 6.30am. Turning into the drive on my return I caught sight of something humping out of Coral & Des's garden (at the top of the drive). At first I thought it was a large cat or small dog, but when it stopped and turned to look at me I was stunned to find it was a very large Badger!

It turned and humped down the drive at a fast rate of knots and I followed in the car slowly. At that point I realised that it must be terrified at being pursued by this glowing eyed monster and promptly switched off the lights. Amazingly it slowed down. It crossed the grass at the entrance to our drive and disappeared through the hedge into our orchard. Hell! I thought, it's got its sett in our orchard! I drove past the orchard and couldn't see it. I figured it had gone to ground. I parked the car and walked towards the house. Then I saw it again trying to get through the gate. I stopped and so did the Badger. He then climbed onto the metal cellar doors and peered at me over the low ivy-clad wall. I talked to it in what I hoped was a low, soothing voice. Having peered into the stair-well of the cellar and decided it was too risky he obviously considered me the lesser threat and emerged slowly. Now seemingly reassured he ambled across the path and into the border alongside the wall. He followed the wall to the bottom of the garden, crossed the lawn and re-entered the orchard. Last I saw was Mr. Brock humping along the hedge on the field side and not being in too much of a hurry. Believe me, it made my day.

Additional Information: If you are interested in the the conservation and welfare of badgers and the protection of their setts and habitats then please visit The Badger Trust.