What was the background to this protected species survey?

We recently completed some protected species surveys for a client in Falkirk, with a focus on badgers. Previous ecological assessments had identified potentially active setts – there were several sett entrances around the site, with signs of activity including fresh latrines (dung pits) and snuffle holes. Badgers will use their nose to snuffle and dig for food in the ground – their favourite being worms. The client wanted us to do further surveys to confirm the presence and activity of the badgers.

Image: A badger sett on site which appeared to be active.

What did the team do?

Our team set up multiple trail cameras around the site, targeting the badger setts which looked like they were active. The cameras were then left for two weeks, before we analysed all of the footage back at the office. As we suspected, the footage confirmed that the setts were very well used and currently active – and we captured some fantastic clips of badgers as you can see below! Badgers are nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning they are active at night and around dusk and dawn, with these badgers happily coming out of their setts as the sun went down. The footage captured them sniffing the air as they first emerge from the sett, bringing in fresh bedding material (long grass), and having a good belly scratch! 

[badger video 1 IMG_0056] Video footage of a badger grooming and having a good belly scratch.]

What was the outcome of this protected species survey?

As part of our protected species survey report, we made several recommendations to the client to ensure the badgers will be protected when works commence on their nearby site. There are numerous laws and protections in place for badgers, and part of our role is to help our clients understand how to protect and work with badgers on site. If you are looking for badger or other protected species surveys for mammals, get in touch today to see if we can help (info[at]epecology.co.uk).