Retired Teacher Becomes Badger Whisperer, Rescuing Wildlife Across Kirklees

In the town of Kirklees, there is one man who has made it his mission to rescue injured wildlife: Adrian Potter, a retired primary school teacher. For the past several years, Potter has been answering the "badger phone" whenever it rings, responding to calls from the local council, police, vets, and even drivers in need of assistance.

After giving up teaching, Potter knew he wanted to focus on conservation work. He initially began volunteering with the RSPB, but then "bumped into" someone from the local Badger Trust. Badgers are legally protected for most of the year, and Potter soon became involved in helping authorities handle incidents involving these animals, as well as other large wild mammals like foxes and deer.

Potter's dedication to this cause is unparalleled. "There weren't actually many people who were prepared to give up their time to the extent I was, and to get their hands dirty," he explains. Most people only encounter dead badgers on the roadside, but Potter is there to assist the living ones, ensuring they receive the proper care and rehabilitation they need.

In addition to his hands-on rescue work, Potter has also been documenting his experiences in a book titled "Interrupted Journeys: Badgers and Other Roadside Distractions." He believes that more needs to be done to address the issue of wildlife being struck by vehicles, and hopes that by sharing his story, he can inspire others to get involved in this important cause.