Badger setts

Badger setts

Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. However, under licence, it is possible to undertake certain necessary activities, when development works cannot avoid it, including the closure of existing setts, and the creation of artificial setts.

Badger setts can be closed using badger gates which are fitted securely to the sett entrances and only open one way. The badgers can get out, but can’t go back in. The badgers have no choice but to vacate the sett, then once an ecologist has checked that the sett is empty, it can be carefully excavated.

Usually before a sett has been closed, an artificial sett will have been created as replacement habitat.  Creating an artificial sett involves building a system of underground tunnels and chambers.

Under licence, we have closed and created many badger setts on sites in Essex, Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Surrey and Kent.

For more information on badger sett closure and creation projects please see:

Badger sett closure and sett creation

Badger sett closure

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