Badger Surveys

Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, which makes it illegal to kill, injure or take badgers or to interfere with a badger sett.

Badgers are often affected by development projects and a licence from the statutory agency (Natural Resources Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage or Natural England) is needed if work is planned close to an active sett, as well as for the exclusion, closure or destruction of a sett.

As long as the badger setts are not damaged, nor the badgers disturbed, many activities will be permitted around them. These activities can include vegetation clearance and work with hand tools or machinery. However, the noise and vibration levels for such work must remain within the levels commonly tolerated by badgers. 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.

Our ecologists are able to undertake all aspects of badger work including badger survey, bait marking and territory analysis, applying for badger licences, supervision of sett closures and the design of artificial setts, badger fencing and tunnels.

Please use the form below if you have any questions regarding our services or your own project.