Species Profile:
Badgers - Detailed Badger Surveys in East Kilbride & Scotland
At EP Ecology, we provide specialist badger surveys throughout Scotland to support planning applications and protect one of the UK’s most iconic mammals. Whether you’re a developer, homeowner, or land manager, understanding how your site may affect local badger habitat is essential to remain compliant with UK wildlife law.
Our ecologists in East Kilbride carry out professional surveys to assess sett locations, determine activity levels, and recommend any necessary mitigation. With a 10-working-day turnaround, clear reporting, and expert knowledge, we’re the trusted choice for fast, effective badger surveys.
Why Choose EP Ecology For Your Badger Survey?
- Reports Delivered in 10 Working Days
- East Kilbride-Based Ecologists with Scotland-Wide Coverage
- Trusted by Planners, Architects, and Developers
- Tailored Advice & Transparent Pricing
- All Work is Compliant with the Protection of Badgers Act 1992
Get a Free Quote Today
Want to book a badger survey in East Kilbride or elsewhere in Scotland?
Get in touch now using our quick contact form or call us to speak to one of our ecologists.
Why Are Badger Surveys Required in Scotland?
If your proposed development involves land clearance, groundworks, or habitat disruption, you may legally need a badger survey. Badgers (Meles meles) and their setts are protected by law under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, making it an offence to disturb them or damage their homes.
Badgers are found across mainland Scotland, typically living in woodlands, farmland, and dry banks where they build setts – complex underground tunnel systems. If any sett is found to be active on your site, it is protected whether in use seasonally or year-round.
You will likely need a badger survey if:
- Your project affects woodland or grassland edges
- There are signs of burrows or spoil heaps on site
- You’re planning work near mature trees or hedgerows
- The development involves breaking ground in rural or semi-rural areas
Failing to survey for badgers can result in planning delays, prosecution, or fines.
Understanding Badger Ecology in the UK
Where can badgers be found? Badgers are widespread across the UK and Europe, and they are the largest native terrestrial predator in Britain. These nocturnal mammals are omnivores, feeding on worms, insects, small mammals, cereals, and even human food waste.
Badgers live in family groups called clans, each with its own territory. They dig setts in well-drained banks or woodland edges, often comprising multiple entrances. The main sett is used for breeding and is typically the largest, while annexe, subsidiary, and outlier setts may be used seasonally or for foraging.
Badgers do not hibernate but reduce activity in winter. Cubs are usually born between January and March, and it is illegal to interfere with an occupied sett at any time.
How Our Badger Surveys Work
All surveys are carried out in line with CIEEM guidance and Scottish planning requirements.
Initial Site Walkover & Sett Identification
Our ecologists walk your site to look for:
- D-shaped sett entrances
- Spoil heaps, bedding, or badger hairs
- Signs of recent activity, including tracks or latrines
We assess the sett location, structure, and likely usage. Other species like foxes or rabbits can also occupy setts, so accurate identification is key.
Activity Monitoring
Where needed, we deploy:
- Camera traps to capture activity and sett usage over time
This helps determine the type of sett, its importance, and whether it may be a breeding site, which has stricter protections.
Comprehensive Reporting
We deliver a detailed badger survey report including:
- Sett maps and photographic evidence
- Assessment of activity levels
- Impact of proposed works
- Legal compliance guidance
- Recommendations for mitigation or licensing
What Happens If Badgers Are Found on Site?
If an active sett is found, you may be required to:
- Create protective buffers
- Redesign development boundaries
- Schedule works seasonally to avoid breeding periods
- Apply for a licence to close or interfere with a sett
If a main sett needs to be removed, a new artificial sett must often be built, and strict timing restrictions apply. Badgers cannot be relocated, and territorial conflict must be avoided.
Our team will support you in:
- Designing mitigation strategies
- Managing planning risks
- Applying for the necessary NatureScot licences
We prioritise both project viability and wildlife welfare.
Where We Work
Based in East Kilbride, EP Ecology provides badger surveys in Lanarkshire and across the whole of Scotland. In the past, we have surveyed for badgers in:
- Glasgow & Greater Glasgow
- Lanarkshire
- Ayrshire
- Stirling
- Edinburgh
- Falkirk
If you’re unsure whether your site falls within our coverage, contact our team for advice.
About EP Ecology
We are a trusted ecological consultancy established in 2020, delivering expert assessments across Scotland. Our team is based in East Kilbride and understands the intricacies of local wildlife legislation, planning policy, and habitat sensitivity.
We support:
- Housing developments
- Infrastructure projects
- Renewable energy sites
- Local authority planning assessments
With us, you’ll benefit from:
- Real ecological expertise
- Friendly, professional service
- Planning-compliant reports every time
Book Your Badger Survey in East Kilbride or The Wider Areas of Scotland Today
Don’t risk planning delays, fines, or harm to protected wildlife. EP Ecology delivers professional badger surveys in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, and across Scotland to keep your project on track and legally compliant.
📞 Call us: 01355 457577
📧 Email us: info@epecology.co.uk
💬 Fill out our quick enquiry form
