Badger
Surveys
Surveys that establish whether badgers use your site and how development can proceed, supporting your planning application.
What is a badger survey?
Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. A badger walkover survey searches a site for field signs, such as sett entrances, latrines, footprints, paths and spoil heaps, to establish how badgers use the area.
Surveys can be carried out year-round, though they are most effective outside the summer when vegetation is low. Where setts are found, we use trail cameras to confirm activity and, if development is likely to affect a sett, we design mitigation and secure a Natural England licence.
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1
Walkover survey
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2
Camera monitoring if required
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3
Mitigation & method statement
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4
Natural England licence if required
Why you need a badger survey
Where a site or nearby land could support badgers, your Local Planning Authority will usually want their presence and any setts established before determining the application.
Badgers and setts are protected
It is an offence to damage, destroy or obstruct a sett, or to disturb badgers, without a licence.
Surveyed any time
Walkover surveys can be done year-round, and are clearest when vegetation is low.
We handle licensing
We design mitigation and secure the Natural England licence needed to allow works to proceed.
Badger FAQs
When can badger surveys be done?
Year-round, though they are most effective outside the summer growing season when vegetation is low.
What does the survey involve?
A walkover to search for setts and field signs, followed by camera monitoring where needed to confirm activity.
What if a sett is found?
Where development could affect a sett, we design mitigation and apply for a Natural England licence.
Are badgers protected?
Yes. Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.
Ready to discuss your project?
Our ecologists will review your site details and respond within one working day with a clear, no-obligation quote.