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IntroductionThis page outlines possible solutions to some of the problems occasionally caused by badger setts. The information given is only a brief guide; it is not my intention to try to provide all the information that people will need to deal with every problem. I am aiming instead to provide enough information for people to know that there are solutions, and what their options are in broad terms, should they experience problems caused by badger setts. This is because every problem is different and needs to be considered as an individual case. It is therefore important to seek advice should you experience any problems with badgers. In Britain, local Badger Groups may be able to provide such advice (contact details available from the website of the Badger Trust). In England, DEFRA's National Wildlife Management Team (part of the Department's Rural Development Service) is another good source of information - check out their badger web page (opens in a new browser window). Back to: Top / Contents Electric fencingElectric fencing can be a very effective method of keeping badgers out of a particular area such as a lawn, a bowling green, or a vegetable plot. If a badger makes contact with such a fence with its nose, then it will certainly get a shock and will not be keen to repeat the experience. Two types of electric fencing are available - rabbit "Flexinet" (a mesh fence), or single strands of "Polywire". Polywire is most often used for fencing aimed at keeping badgers out of a particular area, with two stands being used at heights of 7.5 cm (3 ins) and 20cm (8 ins) from the ground. A third strand, at a height of 12.5 cm (5 ins) may also be added. The strands must be supported at regular intervals, and powered by a suitable energiser unit, which can be powered either from the mains or from a car battery. There are number of suppliers of electric fencing who you could contact (all links open in new browser windows): Back to: Top / Contents Badger-proof chain link fencingA permanent chain link fence can provide effective long term protection to an area which is subject to badger damage. Obviously, this is a fairly expensive option, particularly if a large area is to be so protected, so it is best reserved for protecting smaller areas, or for cases of severe damage. To be effective, the mesh must be strong and fixed firmly to the fence posts (and rails if used). The fence must be at least 125 cm (4 ft 1 in) high, and the mesh must be buried to a depth of at least 30 to 50 cm (12 - 20 ins), with a further 50 cm (20 ins) turned outwards at right angles at that depth. If a badger tries to dig under such a fence, it will not be able to get through the chain link. There are various suppliers of chain link. Two companies make chain link specially designed for use in badger proof fencing: The TWIL Group (Bekaert Fencing)
PO Box 119, Shepcote Lane, Sheffield S9 1TY
Tel 0114 256 1561 Tornado Wire Ltd
Waterloo Road Estate, Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire B50 4JH
Tel 0870 759 3610
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Picture credits
The Eurasian badger photo used at the head of this Article is © Steve Jackson. Credits for the photos used in the right-hand margin of this page for site navigation can be found on the Credits page.
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