All in Black and White Stripy muzzles in the dead of night, mysterious movement in the undergrowth. Seeking out food and tasty morsels provided by the awe inspired humans. Not one, two, three but four of you noses down in sociable circle bodies pushed together. One lifts a head to listen while the others munch on. Another runs back down the garden as if on sentry duty whilst the three feed on. Truly a spectacular scene, one of freedom and wildness yet in my own back garden. These large furry stripy badgers with their bodies low to the ground and their comical waddling bottoms provide spellbinding watching. We’ve become paranoid at the same time every evening, where are they? Have they come through the woods at the bottom of the garden? Have they got to cross a road to get here? There’s only one tonight where are the others? We need them more than they need us yet this strange partnership has an unbreakable contract. As long as we provide the food, they provide the entertainment and our ever-increasing love of nature. S Simpson Leicestershire