The Witch of Blackberry Bottom by Dick King-Smith

Miss Slade is a recluse who lives with an assorted collection of animals in an old caravan in Blackberry Bottom. When newcomers move into the nearest house, the children, Patsy and Jim, gradually make friends with Miss Slade and she starts to rejointhe village community. What no one knows is that she keeps all her money, including gold sovereigns, buried in a milk churn in a grass bank near her caravan. When their parents have to take Miss Slade to hospital after a fall, the children surprise a thief who is after her money. With the aid of the animals they manage to overcome him and save Miss Slade’s money.