It all began in October when Spike the hedgehog arrived in our garden and began patrolling across our short driveway. While days remained long there was no problem.

But when clocks were moved back and night descended toward four o’clock, that’s when my animal lockdown troubles began. “Watch out for Spike!” I was warned as I ventured out.

So when I did my usual Lewis Hamilton swing into the driveway at day’s end, I now did so in terror that the road hungry tyres of my Volkswagen would crush our delightful little visitor. It got so bad I did not want to go out at all.

But as November crept in Spike headed off for his winter rest and I was temporarily released from my lockdown.

Leppi arrives

Respite was short, however, because very soon the most beautiful young hare I ever saw arrived to take Spike’s place. “Watch out for Leppi!” then became the call. But this proved impossible. Leppi decided to make her hiding place behind the standing stone just beside the driveway. From there, day or night, she would instantly dart across the drive and lope down along the hedge as if she was off to a very important date. I was beginning to hear: “Watch out for Leppi!” in my dreams, so for three whole weeks the Volkswagen never left the yard and Katie’s Renault, parked near the gate, had to do the necessary trips. I was in animal lockdown. But then one day Leppi was gone – probably on a very important date. And I was released once more.

Flopsie comes calling

That did not last long either, for within a few days who called in but a little bunny that would put Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit to shame in terms of beauty and business: “Watch out for Flopsy!” was the warning. How could I watch out when Flopsy never seemed to stop hopping around the place? I was locked down once more. Thankfully this time it was just a fortnight before Flopsy moved on. And that was no great surprise since who next started sniffing around our garden but Foxie. And that was the end of that!

I cannot now imagine how in my youth, I hunted hares and set snares for rabbits. Maybe Leppi and Flopsie were just getting their own back.