WHEN Fionnuala set me down and explained exactly what the badger scheme was, I felt a mix of embarrassment and relief.

How could I have thought my sweet wife would ever have considered harming such beautiful animals? It shows how unsurprisingly stupid I was, she reminded me solemnly.

The “scheme” was to gently re-route the badgers around McGowan’s orchard and the ways and means were quite ingenious.

“We’re going to set up lights and a radio, which turn on when the badgers come in.”

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“What will the radio play, Mummy?” Imogen’s eyes were wide.

“Just people having a conversation.”

“So, the badgers think it’s real people?”

“Very good, Fiadh.” Fionnuala had a rapt audience.

“Can we see the badgers?” Dermot was sitting on her knee.

“We’ll see, Dermot. It’s importance we don’t frighten or harm them. Especially the young ones.”

“Please, Mummy!’ Fiadh was clambering on........

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