PROTECTED SPECIES SURVEYS Badger Surveys
Got a planning project near woodland, hedgerows, or open countryside? You might need a badger survey before things can move forward — even if you haven’t seen one yourself.
Badgers and their setts (that’s what we call their burrows) are protected by law in England. That means it’s illegal to disturb, block, damage, or destroy a sett — even unintentionally. If badgers are found on or near your site, your local council will likely require a professional survey as part of the planning process.
That’s where we come in.
Our experienced ecologists carry out badger surveys across England, helping you meet planning requirements, avoid delays, and make sure everything is above board from day one.
BADGER SURVEY Why It Matters
Badgers are protected un the Protection of Badgers Act 1992
Under this Act, it is an offence to:
Kill, injure or take a badger
Cruelly ill-treat a badger
Use badger tongs or other cruel equipment
Interfere with a badger sett (which includes disturbing, damaging, destroying, obstructing access, or disturbing a badger inside)
A badger sett is defined as "any structure or place which displays signs indicating current use by a badger."
BADGER SURVEY In Development Context
If badgers are likely to be affected by a development (e.g. work near an active sett), you’ll usually need to:
Commission a badger survey by a qualified ecologist
Possibly apply for a licence from Natural England (or the relevant statutory body) to carry out work legally during certain times of year
BADGER SURVEY Other Relevant Legislation
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 – provides additional protection in some contexts
Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 – requires public bodies to consider biodiversity, which can include badgers
Ignoring badgers on site can lead to delays, fines, or even having to stop work altogether. With a proper survey, you’re protected — and you show the planning authority that your project respects local wildlife.
BADGER SURVEY Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're building a home extension, putting up a new housing development, or clearing land, we’re here to help. Get in touch for a free quote or quick advice, and we’ll let you know if a badger survey is needed — no stress, no pressure.
BADGER SURVEY FAQs About Badger Surveys
What is a badger survey and why might I need one?
A badger survey checks for signs of badgers and their setts on or near a development site. You might need one if you’re applying for planning permission or if badgers are discovered during site works.
When is the best time to carry out a badger survey?
While surveys can be done year-round, the best times are from February to April and September to November—when badgers are more active and vegetation is less dense, making signs easier to spot.
What does a badger survey involve?
There are typically two stages: a walkover to look for signs like setts, footprints, and droppings, followed by monitoring (often with cameras) to confirm activity and identify the type of sett.
How can I tell if a sett belongs to a badger?
Badger setts usually have D-shaped entrances, spoil heaps, and well-worn paths. They’re larger than rabbit holes and don’t have droppings right at the entrance (badgers use latrines away from the sett).
Are badgers protected by law?
Yes—under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, it’s illegal to harm badgers or interfere with their setts without a licence. This includes disturbing them, blocking sett entrances, or damaging the sett.
What happens if badgers are found on my site?
You’ll need to avoid disturbing them where possible. If work must go ahead, you’ll need a mitigation plan and a licence from Natural England, and the timing of works will be restricted.
Can I still build on my site if there’s a badger sett?
Potentially, yes—but only with the right mitigation in place. This might involve creating an artificial sett, changing site plans, or closing an existing sett (with strict conditions and licensing).
How long does a badger survey take?
The initial walkover can be done in a day, but if monitoring is needed, it typically runs over 3–4 weeks to gather enough evidence for classification and licensing.
Need a Badger Survey
Get in touch for a free quote — we’ll talk you through exactly what’s needed and find a survey date that fits your schedule