The area is undoubtedly very rich in wildlife, and its animals include badgers (see the photos below), foxes, bats, rabbits, hare, stoat, weasels, squirrels, adders, grass snakes, lizards, slow worms, great crested newts and other amphibians. Many wild flower species occur, including some that are associated with long-established meadows, like adder’s tongue fern, hay rattle and some orchids. The hedges are rich and varied, and they support much wildlife.

A great variety of bird species has been recorded, including summer and winter migrants – from cuckoos and warblers in summer to fieldfares and waxwings in winter, with rare passage migrants turning up on occasion. Winter flocks of lapwings, migrant thrushes and gulls congregate on one of the middle meadows, where earthworms and soil invertebrates must clearly be very numerous. Sparrowhawks, kestrels, owls and woodpeckers (green and spotted) frequent the site, and the marshy areas attract snipe and other species. There are many butterflies and moths, as well as a rich variety of other insects, some of which are so rare that they are on the Red Data Book list.

There are proposals to build a lot of housing on the meadows north of Dry Street backing onto Fletchers, part of Rantree Fold plus the college and hospital. It is known that badgers frequent part of the proposed development site, and presumably due steps are being taken to safeguard their interests, given the degree of legal protection that they enjoy.

What is not clear is the extent of the badgers' use of the meadows concerned. You might be able to help. If you are aware that badgers turn up in your back garden or close to it, we would be interested to know and would collate that information with a view to sharing it with the planning authorities. We would welcome whatever information you were able to provide, even if you were making a "nil" return (that is, you are unaware of any badger activity to the back of you garden). Please assist with our survey by ringing Rod Cole on 01268 553149