Case studies
Badger Relocation Behind School Playing Fields: Ensuring Child Safety Whilst Protecting Wildlife
By
Peter
Crown & Burrow assessed a woodland area behind a school's playing fields where badger activity posed safety risks; after securing a Natural England licence, one-way gates and mesh barriers were installed, relocating the badgers over 21 days and ensuring the area was safe for children.
Project Overview
Crown & Burrow visited a woodland area behind a school's playing fields where badger activity was creating safety concerns for the children. Badgers had established setts in the woods where the children played, leading to unstable ground and potential hazards. The objective was to assess the situation and ensure the safe relocation of the badgers, while complying with wildlife protection laws.
Challenges
The primary challenge was to humanely relocate the badgers without causing them distress, ensuring the safety of the schoolchildren. Additionally, obtaining the necessary licence from Natural England required strict adherence to wildlife regulations and careful planning to minimise impact on the badger population.
Solution
After securing the appropriate licence from Natural England, one-way badger gates were installed at each sett entrance in the woodland area. These gates allowed the badgers to exit freely but prevented re-entry, encouraging them to relocate to nearby suitable habitats. High-quality stainless steel mesh was also installed to reinforce the area and deter future burrowing. The setts were monitored over a 21-day period to ensure all badgers had safely vacated the area.
Results
The badger-proofing measures were successful. The badgers relocated to alternative habitats without distress, and the woodland area behind the school's playing fields was stabilised, eliminating safety risks for the children. The project was completed in full compliance with wildlife protection regulations, effectively balancing public safety and ecological conservation.
