West Wales Badger Group

Badger setts are protected throughout the year from disturbance. During the period from the end of November to the end of June. It is against the law to carry out any work near to a Badger sett at any time. The nearest distance any activities can take place at this time is 30 metres.

At any other time it is against the law to work near a Badger sett without obtaining a license from the Countryside Council for Wales to do so.

Disturbance is difficult to quantify as even indirect activities can interfere with Badgers and have a damaging effect on their sett.

Guidelines have been issued by the Countryside Council for Wales as to which activities require a licence at certain distances.

Heavy machinery is restricted to 30 metres from a sett.
Examples are Heavy plant earthmovers.

30m

Lighter machinery is restricted to 20 metres from a sett.
Examples are light earthmovers such as Bulldozers, Tractors and Hedgecutters.

20m

Light work with hand tools is restricted to 10 metres from a sett.
Examples are spades, saws and handheld cutting machinery.

10m

Distances are measured from the sett entrance and zone areas can overlap each other. If there is any doubt as to time periods or distances where licences are needed, consultation with authority should be made as prosecution can be brought against anyone flouting the Badger protection laws.


For further information on this subject, free copies of the booklet Badgers A Guide For Developers can be obtained from the offices of the Countryside Council For Wales.