LOUGHTON: Vixen and cubs move into garden (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

LOUGHTON: Vixen and cubs move into garden

3:25pm Wednesday 11th June 2008 in News By Guardian-series

A FOX lover was delighted to find that her garden has become home to ten cubs.

Carol Davies, of Colebrook Gardens, in Loughton, is used to seeing the odd fox in her suburban garden but the latest litter took her by surprise.

She said: "This is probably the third year I've seen fox cubs in our garden. I think the fox likes our garden for the same reasons the birds and frogs do, that is, it's a natural little haven. It's not just a stark patch of grass that's strimmed to death.

"I don't normally put food out, just clean water every day. But since I saw there were ten in the litter I will help the mother fox and put some food out for the cubs this year until they can fend for themselves."

Some people regard the animals as vermin but not Mrs Davies, a Loughton town councillor.

She added: "I think we're very lucky to be able to see nature right outside our door.

"I want them to remain wild and timid of us. That way we have our garden when we want. That way we are all safe - humans and foxes - when we give each other a wide berth."

l Anyone who comes across an injured fox should ring the National Fox Welfare Society on 01933 411996.