Acer Ecology recently undertook a badger survey in Merthyr Tydfil.
Did you know that badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992?
This means that it is illegal to:
- intentionally capture, injure or kill a badger;
- block access, damage or destroy their setts;
- disturb badgers in setts;
- treat a badger cruelly;
- deliberately send or intentionally allow a dog into a sett;
- bait or dig for badgers;
- have or sell a badger or badger parts (dead or alive); and
- mark or attach a device to a badger.
If badgers will be affected by a development, or works are planned to occur in close proximity to an active set, you will need a Protected Species Licence before works can commence. As such your local planning authority may ask you to undertake a survey for badgers.
Do you need a badger survey?
Surveys can be undertaken throughout the year; although the most effective period is between October and April inclusive when the cover from vegetation is low, setts are readily visible, and badgers are highly active.
Our ecologists are experienced in badger surveys, bait marking and territory analysis. Our ecologists can also undertake licensed exclusion, supervision of sett closure and destruction, and the design of artificial setts, badger fencing and tunnels.
Acer Ecology is an ecological consultancy based in Cardiff, but undertake projects all over Wales. We are able to provide surveys across Merthyr Tydfil County, including Treharris, Merthyr Tydfil, Abercanaid, Pontsticill and Troedyrhiw. We are also able to provide surveys in the surrounding counties of Rhondda Cynon Taff, and south and mid-Powys.
Contact us on 029 2065 0331, or email us at enquiries@acerecology.co.uk for more information on badger surveys, or regarding any of our other ecological services.
For more information about badgers, please see our article: Eurasian Badger – Give a Flying Brock.
