© Mary Westwood

Almost all gardens, including those in the heart of any city, will receive at least occasional visits from some mammals. The closer you live to places where mammals are often found – woodland, a park, a railway line or piece of rough ground – the greater the likelihood of a variety of mammal visitors.

Many people are delighted and welcome badgers when they choose to visit. Occasionally, though, they damages gardens, particular lawns and plants, to the disappointment and annoyance of the gardener. Badgers are strong animals and can damage fences and other boundaries in their determination to enter gardens.

We offer advice viz. badgers digging up gardens or excavating under buildings etc.

Badgers are unmistakable, with their white faces and broad black stripes running through their ears and eyes and down to their noses. Although each hair is black and white, their body fur appears grey or even brown. They have short powerful legs and large, five-clawed feet. Evidence of the presence of badgers includes small pits called ‘snuffle holes’ produced when they dig for earthworms and other invertebrates. Occasionally, they may dig a small sett under your shed. Badgers are less active in winter but, unlike some mammals, do not hibernate. Cubs are usually born in late January or February but stay underground for about two months.

© Mary Westwood

Badgers come to gardens in search of prey items such as earthworms (the badger’s main food), beetles and cranefly larvae. Their droppings are distinctive. Badger droppings are rather loose and left in shallow holes known as dung pits.

If you want to discourage badgers from visiting your garden, avoid using fertilisers containing animal remains, such as fish, blood or bonemeal. They have an acute sense of smell and will come in search of the source. For the same reason, put heavy lids on your dustbins and compost bins and block any large access points to the garden. Remove items leaning against fences and fill in gaps underneath them. A radio tuned to a voice station may also be an effective deterrent. An extreme measure would be an electric fence. These fences need to have two strands set 75 mm and 200 mm above the ground. You can get a fence – and a 12 v battery to power it - at most agricultural stores. Notify your neighbours if using an electric fence.

Badgers and their setts are protected by law, but lawful actions can usually be taken to resolve, or at least minimise problems, without harm to badgers or other animals. Please contact us and seek advice before taking action which, although considered innocent, may inadvertently result in badgers or being illegally harmed or disturbed.

Chemical Deterrents: There are now NO chemical badger deterrents as the approval for the use of Renardine has expired. After March 24th 2005 it should not be used, stored, supplied or advertised. Contact your local authority for help on its disposal. Please see this leaflet from the Badger Trust for more information about badgers in your garden: Badgers in your Garden