Hi John, and welcome to WAB.
I wish my very first post read like yours!
I would say the above advice is pretty good. Personally though, I’m afraid I’d be too impatient to just leave it! Since the undergrowth will be dying down a bit now, I’d try to find a way through (maybe there is an existing overgrown path?) and cut or push a small way through, just too allow me to explore a little, even if it means I’d have to crawl under the undergrowth! I’d just HAVE to get to that orchard! I don’t think it would do any harm doing this when you consider what others often do to their gardens!
I’d map it, and note all the species or animals and plants I could recognise right now. Document what you do, maybe in a journal, with photos and such like. It'll make great reading in the years to come.
You’d be surprised how quickly the
Badgers and other night-time visiting animals will get used to lighting. So I’d start leaving one room light on, and when they get used to this, I’d consider putting up an outside light. As long as it’s shining from above them, it should be ok. If there's food there, they'll come!
Oh you’re going to have so much fun. I’m so envious..
Good luck, and don’t forget you’ll get plenty of help and advice here.
Alan