Editor’s Letter
Even though the neighbour’s rooster wakes me unceremoniously at 05h30 every morning, living in the suburbs, I did not expect to open my curtains one morning to find a small black bunny hopping around my garden. After my initial surprise, my thoughts turned to how I would catch him and return him to his rightful owner, whoever that may be. As if reading my mind, Bunny then simply turned around and hopped back home, effectively solving my dilemma.
The next day, however, he was back – and looking a little peckish. So I gave him some carrots and made some enquiries around the neighbourhood. Eventually Bunny was traced to a neighbour, but thanks to his sharp teeth (Bunny’s, not neighbour’s) and a case of wanderlust, he had bitten holes through his fence and now had free run of our properties. I didn’t mind, though, as he was becoming a welcome addition to my morning routine. Open curtains, say hello to Bunny, ooh and aaah over cuteness of bunny nibbling on carrot crudités, say “bye Bunny”, go to work.
Then one day, cute bunny morphed into bad bunny by taking his sharp little incisors to my prized rose bush! Not quite sure how to react, I started feeding Bunny double his normal ration of carrots. I know this may seem like a case of rewarding bad behaviour, but I couldn’t help thinking that if his tummy was full, he would no longer feel the urge to nibble on my plants.
So far the plan is working. Bunny comes round every morning for his breakfast – carrots, NOT plants – and to give me my daily dose of oohs and aahs. He then spends the rest of the morning – very Beatrix Potter-ish – snoozing under my lavender bush before hopping back home.
My morning encounters with Bunny have reminded me just how rewarding our interactions with animals and nature can be. There is nothing quite like a wagging tail or a day of fresh air outdoors to lift our moods. So this September, as we celebrate Heritage Day, spare a thought for our natural heritage (both flora and fauna), and plant a tree for Arbour Day. I guarantee it will lift your spirits, even if you don’t have a bunny under your lavender bush.
Nicky
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