What does it mean to be connected to nature in a world that is so far removed from the untamed wild?

Over the past few months, many people living in Britain have discovered their local wildlife. A pursuit which has brought a sense of peace and beauty in a time of uncertainty. This year, one suburban community in the South West have been watching the local foxes from their windows. Here is their story…

5:30pm: Cars begin to fill up the small concrete car park in the centre of the avenue. Residents step out of their cars, icy clouds of dragon breath surrounding them. Quickly venturing from vehicles to front doors, eyes only fixed on their keys ready to escape the chill of the November evening. Light pollution is severe, blocking any view of the stars; only allowing thick clouds to flood the darkening dusk sky. The heavily grey concrete streets, starved of green, seem to have evicted any signs of natural life that would have once lived here. Only when people have gone and darkness has fallen, does a burnt orange shadow appear, passing elusively throughout this arguably nature deprived suburban landscape. This sweeping shadow is an amazing sight.

With time, residents begin to notice the allure of the creature. Eagerly watching out of their windows, in the hope of seeing the fox. Captivation and curiosity created by the unknown spontaneity of such an animal: a fascination to many. It sparks a passion and interest in this natural phenomenon from residents of all ages. A crowd that may not otherwise seem to have such an opportunity to experience the thrill of nature and its many benefits from their doorsteps.

Having seen a fleeting glimpse of the creature, windowsill spectators move to a more discrete observation spot, upstairs at bedroom windows. Old nostalgic net curtains pinned up by colourful clothes pegs, with the window wide open, the onlooker sits for hours in a bare, cold room. The wait is long. People come and go and car lights flash on and off in a constant rhythm. However, in the lulls of silence, those few seconds of still, the shadow reappears, rewarding the spectator.

As the night draws on the fox confidently walks under a nearby streetlamp, landmarking one of the only patches of green within this landscape. An 8 metre square patch of grass in the far corner of the car park. Here the fox sits and yawns, looking tired of having to constantly be on the move. This small patch of green is safe. A refuge for a controversial mammal, loved by many, hated by some.

Illuminated by the harsh glow of the streetlamp; pricked ears and a lowered head the fox searches for hidden leftovers buried in the grass. One distant whirring car engine and sound of footsteps prompting the fox to go back into hiding once again. For hours it comes and goes… the observer never knowing if or when it will return. On the odd occasion the fox dances in the centre of this suburban jungle. Bright fur and shiny eyes bringing a sense of hope, in a society that has learned to overlook the demographic of people failing to connect with wildlife.

But the fox has begun to break this mould. Exploring new territory, this landscape is just the same as that of more wealthy estates a few miles away. The fox does not see a class contrast, but only a new place to call home.

While the fox plays, local residents begin to capture this magical moment. It is a memory, an experience of a significant sight. One which is beautiful. Showing it is possible, on this small scale, to provide everyone with the opportunity to experience wildlife. Waiting inside and outside in the darkness, camera’s clutched at the ready, the observer watches eagerly for the fox.

If you happen to take a walk in suburbia at dusk, you may see shadows, in windows and at front doors. They are looking for another shadow; the outline of the fox. Our captivation and fascination towards the fox, and equally the fox to us, is powerful. A message that while there are still boundaries between us and the natural world, it is possible to start closing the gap and slowly but surely, connect with the animals that live alongside us.

Accessible Nature: The Joy of Finding Foxes