Case studies
Crown & burrow visit a railway embankment badger sett closure project
By
Peter
Crown & Burrow visited a railway embankment destabilised by badger activity. One-way gates and mesh barriers were installed to prevent further burrowing, stabilising the bank whilst ensuring humane treatment of the badgers.
Project Overview
Crown & Burrow visited a railway embankment where badger activity was causing significant instability, increasing the risk of bank slips that could compromise the safety and integrity of the railway line. The objective was to assess the situation and ensure that measures were taken to prevent further burrowing by badgers, thus stabilising the embankment while ensuring the humane treatment of the badger population and compliance with wildlife protection laws.
Challenges
The embankment hosted multiple active badger setts, with extensive tunneling threatening the structural stability of the railway infrastructure. The primary challenge was to implement a solution that would deter badgers from re-entering and excavating the embankment without causing them harm. Additionally, obtaining the necessary licensing from Natural England added complexity, requiring meticulous planning to adhere to strict wildlife regulations.
Solution
After the appropriate license was obtained from Natural England, specialised one-way badger gates were installed at each sett entrance along the embankment. These gates allowed badgers to exit freely but prevented re-entry, encouraging them to relocate to nearby suitable habitats. To reinforce the embankment and deter future burrowing, the affected areas were lined with high-quality stainless steel mesh, providing a durable barrier against digging activities.
Results
The implementation of the badger-proofing measures was successful. The railway embankment was stabilised, eliminating the risk of further structural damage due to badger activity. The badgers adapted to the new barriers without distress, safely relocating to other habitats. The project was completed in full compliance with wildlife protection regulations, demonstrating an effective balance between infrastructure safety and ecological conservation.
