Letter from the editor: Time to wonder if different species can coexist better?

Some incredible photos are starting to emerge of tiny wildlife captured in breathtaking detail. Sitting in the sun without all the usual pressures of places we need to be, soon finds our eyes wandering to even the smallest insects. Whoever thought such things might be responsible for occupying our time in 2020?

Other quite amazing sights have been spotted across Sheffield. A badger was found making its way along the pavement in front of the train station … right in the middle of town, yesterday morning.

There have been several sightings of deer in the most unexpected spots including one which was walking through the car park of a sofa shop. We have heard of plenty more in the city’s many green spots. What a wonderful addition to the daily exercise for those lucky enough to spy wild friends.

Of course, there are always foxes around. My mum keeps hens so I wasn’t brought up to be a friend of these attractive yet vicious hunters. However, I can imagine the joy of those – with no livestock to protect – who are able to sit and quietly watch these stealthy creatures in motion.

My own favourites as a child were the hedgehogs. The excitement of creeping outside with only a torch in find these snuffling, prickly animals still makes me smile.

We are far from the concept of our streets being reclaimed by nature as we all abide by the rules of staying in our homes. No matter how much we might like the idea – temporarily – there is still plenty of necessary human movement taking place.

I’m also not sure the train station is the best place for any sensible badger nor car parks for deer. Hopefully, they found their way back to one of our many lush, green spaces quickly and safely.

Perhaps humans will use this time to learn, once again, that there are many things we miss in our rush through life.

We all love wildlife yet we do so little to protect it. Maybe now is the time to teach our children to live better alongside all other species, or at the very least to use these days to learn about these most important of issues.