Thanks to anti-persecution laws and the work of rangers and conservationists, badgers have made a comeback in North Yorkshire.

But actually spotting one can be tough as they are mostly active during the night and spend long hours underground in their multi-chambered setts, or dens. Now rangers have come up with a perfect solution by staging badger watches every Wednesday from May 21 until August 6 at a secret location in 9,000-acre Cropton Forest, near Pickering.

Forestry Commission wildlife officer Brian Walker said: "We get people coming from well over 100 miles away to take part in these events.

"Seeing badgers and their cubs in their natural habitat is absolutely magical.

"They are very social animals. Some of the setts can be hundreds of years old and have a network of underground tunnels and chambers."

The badger watches meet at Stape, north of Pickering, at 7pm and last about three hours. The cost is £10 per person. To book a place call 01751 472771.