Badger Surveys
Badger Surveys
Badgers and their active setts are strictly protected by the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. If you are changing the way your land is to be used, or are applying for planning permission, you’ll need to know whether and how badgers are using your site.
A badger survey is typically carried out by an experienced ecological consultant and may include:
- Field sign surveys — walking the site and up to 30 m beyond to search for evidence of badger activity such as setts, latrines, tracks, snuffle holes and paths.
- Sett activity checks and monitoring — assessing whether badger setts are active and recording their type (main, annex, subsidiary or outlier) and level of use.
- Bait marking and territory studies — where necessary, tracking badger movement and territorial boundaries to inform layout decisions and mitigation planning for larger sites.
Badger surveys can be undertaken year‑round, but are often most effective in late winter through early spring or autumn when vegetation is low and signs of activity are clearer.
Fish Surveys and Fish Rescue
Safely capture and relocate fish before work to protect aquatic life and habitats.
Protected Species Surveys
Serve to detect legally protected wildlife before works to inform planning.
Biodiversity Net Gain
Quantify habitat losses and gains to secure an uplift in biodiversity.
Invasive Species Surveys
Map and ID non‑native plants to guide land management & protect biodiversity.
River Condition Assessments
Assess river habitat to understand condition and guide restoration.
