T'S a wild, wet winter night. A glow from the wood burner fills the room, and Molly and Maisie lie snoozing, oblivious, emitting little sounds amid their snores.
It's warm, and I feel lazy, but instead, I tell lomhair that I am going out to the badger hide.
Such stormy nights provide great opportunities - that is, if a badger, or a few, put in an appearance.
I love the texture of their wet coats, the mud around their faces as they snuffle and dig, and the drops of moisture shining from leaves and logs.
Though it will be cold in the hide, it is worth the wait - always, even if a badger only stays briefly.
Sometimes the badgers are erratic with timing, and at others, they come regular as clockwork.
Some nights I draw a blank, but there is always peace in listening to the sounds in the dark as the night shift comes on duty.
I always go to the hide alone.
Talking not only distracts, but risks a no-show.
Most of us are not very good at staying silent for long periods.
Sometimes, I take a book and read with a torch.
I have been engrossed occasionally and have not noticed a visitor has appeared.
Denne historien er fra February 25, 2023-utgaven av The People's Friend.
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Denne historien er fra February 25, 2023-utgaven av The People's Friend.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
It captured everyone's imagination
A letter penned in 1897 by a Sunderland choirboy has inspired an origami quilt of memories. Bill Gibb finds out more.
The UK has amazing marine life
Bill Gibb looks at the work of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue as they celebrate their 35th year.
It's About Time
Retirement was supposed to be a fresh start for Caroline, if only she could get a moment's peace!
A Breath Of Country Air
Renowned nature writer Polly Pullar takes a lighthearted look at rural life.
A Test Of Courage
Yasmin’s dad needed her but could she reveal her secret project?
We Work Together
Office life just wouldn’t be the same without Ethan...
The Art Of Laughter
Gillian Thornton visits Hampshire to enjoy the artistic talents of cartoonist Norman Thelwell in his centenary year.
Life After Linda
It was just Dan and his father now and they needed time to adjust...
ES! There in the corner are the speakers
In her weekly column, Maddie Grigg shares tales from her life in rural Dorset...
Lovely Glen Lochay
Willie Shand braves the cold temperatures to enjoy a Stroll near Killin in Perthshire.