Badger Watching

	Badger emerging from the sett

Badger watching is an incredibly relaxing way of spending a spring or summer evening. Indeed, Badger watching at a sett deep in the woods is an engrossing experience, particularly when Badger cubs are about.

And whilst watching Badgers, there’s always a chance, of course, of seeing fox and deer, and sharing the evening with woodcocks, owls and nightjars.

In fact, everybody with the slightest interest in natural history should at least once in a lifetime spend an evening watching Badgers.

Watchers, though, to be successful, should exercise great care, for Badgers are wary creatures.

Badger eyesight is relatively poor and, oddly, does not seem to be particularly well-adapted for night vision – it’s not unusual for Badgers to come within a few feet of a stationary, silent observer standing downwind of them.

But Badger hearing is excellent. Sudden, unexpected sounds will always cause alarm. A twig cracking, a whispered voice, even the sudden cry of a green woodpecker is likely to result in an immediate bolt for the safety of the sett.

And as would be expected, the Badger’s sense of smell is outstanding. Indeed, the first Badger to emerge from the sett will often scent the air, lifting its snout first one way then the other, testing for danger before going back underground prior to the main emergence of other Badger family members. Then once above ground, unexpected aromas carried on the breeze will inevitably cause a dash for the sett.

To obtain views of Badgers without causing disturbance, then, watchers should be in position by the sett well before dusk; should remain downwind; be dressed in sober-coloured, rustle-free clothing; be quiet; still; and not too close to the action.

And just as importantly, after Badger watching has finished, the area of the sett should be left with as much care as was taken on arrival – imagine a Badger quietly going about its business, only to witness in the dusk an explosion of noise and movement just outside its front door. Scary? I should say so.

Remember, too, that the welfare of the Badgers is paramount, and far more important than ‘getting a better view’. Indeed, Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, which makes it illegal to kill, injure or take Badgers or to interfere with a Badger sett. (Interference with a Badger sett includes blocking tunnels or damaging the sett in any way).

Members of the New Forest Badger Group have been watching and studying Badgers in the New Forest since 1969, and always welcome new members. Further details are available from info@newforest-badgers.org.