Badger Surveys and Conservation

This protection makes it illegal to destroy damage or obstruct access to a Sett or disturb a badger while it is using its Sett. Should any works require disturbing a sett or badger then a wildlife licence application must be submitted to the relevant governing body (such as Natural England, Natural Resource Wales or Scottish Natural Heritage) with appropriate mitigation and reasoning.

HalpinRobbins have experienced ecologists capable of conducting a range of badger surveys in England and Wales; each survey is tailored to meet our clients' needs and project requirements.

An assessment for badgers is undertaken as part of the preliminary ecological appraisal of a site. A badger survey can be conducted at any time of year but the optimal time is between February and April or September to November. During these times vegetation is low and badgers are at their most active. Signs of badger activity and presence, such as setts, paths, latrines, scratch markings, recent digging, and nesting debris are mapped to show where badgers are active and what significance each field sign has on a site and the surrounding area.

The map and the determined significance are then compared with any plans and proposals to determine the risk or impact to both the badgers and the proposed works or project. In some instances where development plans will impact badger setts further surveys such as camera traps, sand pads and bait marking studies may be required to determine fully if there will be a requirement for a sett closure under a licence from Natural England. Where this is required, it may mean that mitigation such as artificial sett creation is required.

Our consultants have extensive experience in sett closures under licence and with the help of specialist contracting services we can facilitate the design and implementation of mitigation such as badger fencing and artificial sett creation.

More useful information about Badgers can be found on the Badger Trust website.

For a better idea about our projects and work involving dormice see our case studies or to find out how we can support your project contact us at info@halpinrobbins.co.uk.