Understanding Badgers in the UK
The European badger (Meles meles) is the UK’s only native badger species. Recognised by their iconic black-and-white striped faces, badgers are nocturnal mammals living in complex underground tunnel systems called setts.
While they play a vital role in ecosystems, badgers can cause disruption in residential areas — damaging gardens, structures, and delaying construction due to their strict legal protection.
–
Why Badgers Can Be a Problem
Although protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, badgers can cause a range of unintended issues for landowners and developers:
- Burrowing that undermines foundations and paving
- Latrines (shallow toilet pits) near gardens and paths
- Damage to lawns and flowerbeds from foraging
- Development delays due to the presence of active setts
- Illegal to disturb badgers or setts without proper licensing
Badger Activity – What to Look For
- Football-sized burrow entrances near hedges or sheds
- Fresh soil heaps beside sett entrances
- Trampled pathways across lawns
- Droppings in shallow pits (latrines)
- Claw marks on trees or structures
- Night-time scratching or snuffling sounds under decking
–
