Homeheights building is a residential retirement home on Southsea common, and recently, they have gained three new residents. The residents are not the typical homeowner, but rather three foxes. The foxes reside between the apartments and The Queen’s Hotel, and frequently visit residents in the building. This is a joy for many of the residents, some of whom don’t receive much company, and many enjoy feeding them. 

 

This relationship between the elderly and nature is key, as it gives so many of the residents something to look forward to. The foxes are often playing in the grass outside, and entertaining the watchful eyes of the elderly. 

 

Fourth floor residents, James and Andrea Osborne said “we like wildlife, and we don’t see much here, so we like to watch them” James revealed that he looks “straight down on them every morning and last thing at night” and the residents have grown fond of their new neighbours. This highlights the impact that wildlife can have on people, and the importance of secluded areas in the city. While many may consider the empty space between the two buildings as a wasteland, the residents described it as a “sanctuary” 

 

To keep the foxes around, they are fed by locals. “They like eggs” residents said, “ not cooked, just raw eggs; we feed them because at night we see them leave this area and go across to the common to take food out of the bins” This demonstrates the impact of urbanisation on wildlife, and gives a lot of the residents a reason to not only tolerate, but enjoy the company of the foxes. 
 

By Liberty Tickner