Sett surveying is an important part of the Dorset Badger Group's work. It is only by recording the presence of badgers in a particular area that we can help to protect their interests during planning and development. Records are submitted to local authorities and consulted when assessing applications for new development.

In addition, regular monitoring of badger setts ensures that any interference or other problems can be quickly detected and acted upon.

Badger sett records for Dorset are in urgent need of updating and expanding. If you would like to get involved in monitoring known setts in your area or in surveying areas for new setts, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us here.

Kingston Maurward Badger Sett Survey, 16-18 March 2008

On 16,17 and 18 March this year a group of sixteen Dorset Badger Group and Dorset Wildlife Trust volunteers undertook the task of recording badger setts and other signs of badger activity on the Kingston Maurward College estate near Dorchester.

Sett beneath tree roots

We divided the estate up into four sections and covered the areas in groups. Several of the setts were situated out in open farmland, mostly in copses and hedgerows. One sett was situated in a wooded hollow at the base of two large, old beech and ash trees. The badgers had utilised the roots of the trees and found themselves a sheltered and unique home.

Jackie Placey finds prints

There was an area of densely planted laurel on a steep slope at the edge of the formal gardens. Many tracks were visible going through the bushes and we had an occasional glimpse of a spoil heap peeping out of the undergrowth. This sett was an optimum site for shade and cover.

Some of the many tracks found on the estate

All over the estate there were many tracks, footprints and other signs of badger activity, often too many to record. Most of the hedgerows had been taken over by rabbits and they could be seen actively running in and out of their warrens.

In total we found 12 setts, the largest contained 22 open entrance holes and the smallest had just 2. We also recorded 2 setts that looked deserted. This is because it is possible that at some time in the future they may be re-opened by the badgers.

This was an enjoyable event which I hope will be repeated later in the year at another location. It was an excellent ‘field’ learning experience for everyone and it was good to work with others, sharing knowledge and observations.

Sue Old