Sett Protection

We can protect badgers by capping their setts. This reinforces setts with high tensile steel mesh and concrete to create an impenetrable barrier against badger diggers. It is then impossible for the diggers to dig into the sett to reach the badgers in their chambers. If badger diggers try to attack such a sett, they will find it very time-consuming; which will increase the chances of them being caught.

To try and get round these protected setts, some diggers turn to lamping. This is where they use high-powered spotlights to disorientate a badger so it freezes to the spot. The badger is seized by sending hunting dogs (such as Lurchers) to run down the beam of light to attack the badger, until it can be caught or shot by the baiters. Using high-powered spotlights is risky as the lights attract attention.

To get round the problems of digging and lamping, some areas are protected with silent alarms and wireless covert CCTV. These allow high-resolution photographs and videos to be taken automatically with evidence (sound, images and videos) being transmitted to a storage system hundreds of metres away.

Of equal importance is the eyes and ears of local residents and badger watchers. It is well known in badger circles that our local volunteers and badger watchers play a key role in looking after our badgers by keeping an eye on them and reporting suspicious vehicles or activities.

If you are interested in our Sett Protection work, please Contact Us.