Get involved!

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One of our aims is to locate and map all the setts in the Leeds area so they can be monitored and protected. If you know of any setts in your area and are happy to provide details, please email leedsbadgergroup@gmail.com

 

We are also interested in hearing about any badger sightings or activity, any road traffic collisions or about any proposed developments that may threaten spaces where badgers live. Please be assured that we treat information regarding badgers with great care.

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Sett recording and monitoring

Badgers and their setts are protected by law, even if they appear to be unoccupied. Anyone (including members of the badger group) disturbing badgers or interfering with a sett may be committing a criminal offence.

 

We recommend you do not monitor setts alone, and if possible, make sure someone else knows where you are going, how long you are likely to be, has your mobile number and vehicle make and registration number.

 

To minimise disturbance to badgers through human scent it’s best to survey in the morning, in small groups and avoid walking on badger paths.

 

Look out for unusual activity, people or vehicles in the area – see 'How to Help'.

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What to take

Take a fully charged mobile phone, binoculars, camera, map, food and drink. Wear sensible footwear and clothing appropriate to the weather conditions. Take protective gloves if you are likely to be handling a dead badger, e.g. a road traffic casualty.

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Make sure you know your location in case of emergency and remember you may not always get a mobile signal.

 

** Please do not disclose sett locations outside of the group or post anything on social media about a sett location **

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Badger Signs - what to look for when sett monitoring

Badgers are nocturnal animals and spend their days underground in their setts, but you’ll see plenty of signs of their activity above ground:

• Setts

• Sett entrances

• Spoil heaps

• Bedding

• Paw prints and claw marks

• Snuffle holes and signs of foraging

• Badger hair

• Dung pits/latrines

• Scratching posts or scratch marks

• Bones/skulls

 

Check out Badgerland’s guide ‘Finding Evidence of Badgers’ available from www.badgerland.co.uk

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