A badger has been seen on the deserted concourse of Sheffield Station

An unnamed traveller took this picture of the mammal on the concourse and station managers East Midlands Railway have confirmed it is genuine.

With few trains calling at Sheffield during the lockdown period, the badger was taking advantage of a much quieter environment free of crowds.

It's not the only example of nature reclaiming a railway station in Yorkshire. British Transport Police officers have shared photos of a goose which has laid its eggs in a flower box close to the main entrance of York Station.However, wildlife campaigners pointed out that despite the seemingly heartening sighting, the station is an unsuitable environment for the noctural creature. Badgers are normally found in wooded areas with access to open countryside.

The Twitter account Sheffield Environmental posted: "I'd be happy to see them in these places if they were in suitable habitat corridors or islands of habitat. Sadly they are a long way from cover and safety, this can't be mistaken for rewilding. Are they returning or are they being flushed out of favoured areas due to more visitors?

"While I love to see these species we need more information, we need science to catch up before we celebrate."

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