Badger Surveys

 

Surveys can be undertaken throughout the year, although the period from October to April is most effective when vegetation cover is reduced, setts are readily visible and badgers are highly active. Badger survey methods include searches for signs of badger activity and presence (setts, paths, latrines, scratch markings, recent digging, and nesting debris).

As long as the setts are not damaged, nor the badgers disturbed, many activities are permitted around them. These activities can include vegetation clearance and work with hand tools or machinery.

Licences are required for the exclusion, closure or destruction of a sett or if works close to an active set are likely to cause disturbance to badgers.

 

Badgers legislation and protection

Badgers and their setts are protected in England and Wales under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, making it illegal to:

  • Wilfully kill, injure, take, possess or cruelly ill-treat a badger,

  • Damage/destroy/obstruct their setts, or

  • Disturb a badger in a sett

Sentences include six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5000 (per badger).