Key Takeaways from the Badger Trusts Latest Best Practice Guidance for Developers

Here are some of the key takeaways:

• Detailed surveys, spanning 21+ days, may be needed to establish badger activity around setts. Trail cameras provide valuable visual evidence.
• Even vacant setts are legally protected if signs indicate recent badger use. Use = occupation.
• Development proposals must show consideration of alternative options before sett closure will be approved by Natural England.
• Licences may be required for machinery use near setts, varying by distance and equipment type. Heavy machinery within 30m. Light machinery within 20m. Hand tools within 10m.
• Developers urged to avoid badger impact; mitigation measures recommended if unavoidable.
• Licences are typically granted for works between July 1st and November 30th, not retroactively.
• Planning consents ≠ badger licences; obtaining one doesn't guarantee the other.

Please Remember, badgers are fully protected by law in the UK and breaches may result in fines or prison sentences under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Be it advice, surveys or sett closure under licence, if you require any assistance with badgers, why not give GES a call as we would be happy to discuss.