Badger Surveys
Badger surveys are an important aspect of development planning, as they can help identify potential impacts on badger populations and inform mitigation measures. By conducting surveys, developers can ensure that their projects are carried out without affecting badger populations.
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Why are badgers surveyed?
Badgers are protected under Schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. Under these laws, it is an offence to kill, injure, or disturb badgers, or to damage, destroy, or obstruct access to a sett.
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These legal protections safeguard both badgers and their habitats. Badger setts are widely distributed across the UK and can commonly be found in farmland, gardens, parks, and woodland. As a result, they are frequently encountered on proposed and active development sites, making careful ecological consideration essential during planning and construction.
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When do I need to have badger survey?
If a site provides suitable habitat or evidence of badgers, presence or likely absence of this species must be established.
These surveys can be carried out year-round but are best done in spring due to higher activity.
What does Abrehart Ecology offer?
Abrehart Ecology offers badger-related services, including surveys to search for evidence of badgers on your site and land within 50m of the construction zone. If badger setts are found in areas proposed for development, they will need to be closed under licence from Natural England.
Abrehart Ecology is experienced in applying for and implementing badger sett closure licences, and can undertake full badger sett closures, including bait marking, as well as the construction of artificial badger setts.
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Badger gates used during closure
Sett exclusion during closure
