They were a favourite of Peter Rabbit creator Beatrix Potter, who kept her own herds.

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He also produced the TV series The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends, based on the tales by Beatrix Potter.

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Forthcoming programmes include The Tales Of Beatrix Potter With The Royal Ballet, Carmen, Jools Holland's Hootenanny and To The Manor Born.

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His writings inspired other figures, such as John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter, to take up the role of defender and to protest against reservoirs, afforestation and, more recently, wind farms.

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Dr Cassidy said a rare counter-example exists in Beatrix Potter's Tale of Mr Tod, in which Brock the badger plans to eat Benjamin Bunny's bunnies (bunny-eating is a genuine badger trait, as Potter - a countrywoman - would have known).

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