DISCLAIMER: THIS IS AN ANIMALS OF FARTHING WOOD FAN SITE AND IS IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH COLIN DANN OR THE BBC ANIMATED SERIES

"Not far to go now - we just have to get past this town," said Toad. Rain fell and wind howled as the animals scuttled through the streets

that night.    "We must shelter," cried Fox. "This barn place looks safe."   It was a strange-smelling barn, with no hay and rows of wooden seats. The animals slept as well as they could on the hard stone floor. They were woken by loud crashing music! The terrified animals made a dash for the door - past an astonished group of people... "A human wedding!" hooted Owl.    "We're nearly there," called Toad, when everyone had

recovered and found everyone else. Toad's instincts were now leading them the right way - towards White Deer Park.    "You've said that before," grumbled Weasel. Then, through a gap in a thick hedge they caught a glimpse of a beautiful pond fringed by trees. Toad leaped through the hedge, and all the animals hurried after.    "White Deer Park! White Deer Park!" squeaked the mice. "We're there." They looked up - and saw a white stag towering above them.    "Welcome, brave animals of Farthing Wood," called the stag.    "Welcome," chorused the many other animals crowding behind him. And the baby rabbits nibbled happily on the fresh, green grass.

Be A Friendly Human

The animals of Farthing Wood had to find a new home because of the thoughtless humans who destroyed their wood and the pond. But we can be friendly humans. In the wildlife sanctuary, White Deer Park, many species of animals and plants are protected. Find out if there is a wildlife park near you - your local library will tell you. Even quite small plots of land tucked away behind railways or canals have been made into parks where you can see and learn about wild creatures. In towns you might see a fox if you are lucky, or perhaps a kestrel among the skyscrapers. Foxes scavenge in dustbins and even play boldly in back gardens too. Hedgehogs and mice like gardens too - put out a bowl of cat or dog food if you think a hedgehog may be nearby. Put out crumbs and water for birds on cold winter days and watch to see how many different types come to feed. Animals need protection in the country, too, from cars and from fields sprayed for crops. If you want to help protect animals, why not join a local wildlife or nature organization ?