Badger Trust Celebrates a Landmark Year in 2024!

2024 has been a remarkable year for Badger Trust, marking significant milestones in our ongoing fight to protect one of Britain’s most iconic species. 

Thanks to the dedication of our team, volunteers, and supporters, we have achieved incredible progress in badger conservation, education, and wildlife crime prevention.

A Year of Impact and Taking a Stand for Badgers

2024 has been a pivotal year in our fight against badger culling. We began the year by releasing Tackling Bovine TB, a groundbreaking report highlighting the failures of the culling policy. When the Government announced a General Election, we seized the opportunity to engage with parliamentary candidates, urging them to commit to ending badger culling. This advocacy resulted in the Labour Party including a pledge in their manifesto, acknowledging that badger culling is ineffective.

However, despite Labour’s election victory, the Government chose to continue the culling policy. In response, Badger Trust launched a legal challenge and organised a National Day of Action, which saw overwhelming public support. The demonstration culminated outside Parliament, with naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham as a key speaker.

Our fight didn’t stop there. We escalated our challenge through the BERN Convention, leading to the UK Government being called before the committee in August. We also persisted in lobbying DEFRA for transparency regarding their bovine TB data. After continued pressure, DEFRA finally released the full TB in cattle dataset for the first time in December 2024.

Badger Trust remains steadfast in holding the Government to account, ensuring that science and ethics guide future policies on badger protection.

Wildlife Crime and Advocacy

Our Wildlife Crime Officer played a pivotal role in tackling crimes against badgers, providing expert advice to the police 143 times and being involved in 15 police-led cases. In addition, an astounding 361 badger-related incidents were reported to us through our website, app, and email, further emphasising the urgent need for protection.

We also delivered vital training to 223 police staff, ensuring that those on the frontlines of wildlife crime enforcement are better equipped to tackle badger persecution. Additionally, 110 badger group members and 71 individuals from universities and organisations like Hastings Direct received expert guidance.

Strengthening the Badger Protection Network

Supporting badger groups remains at the heart of our mission. In 2024, our Groups Coordinator delivered tailored training to 321 badger group members and hosted bespoke meetings and events for 367 attendees. Furthermore, our Day of Action in London on 3rd September saw an incredible 300 supporters unite to demand greater protections for badgers.

Expanding Resources for Conservationists

Last year, we developed an array of fact sheets on critical topics such as rescue and rehabilitation, emergency care, legal considerations, and artificial setts. We also introduced a suite of governance templates to support badger groups in areas such as data protection, safeguarding, social media policies, and more. These resources will continue to empower local groups in their efforts to protect badgers.

Helpline Success: A Lifeline for Badgers in Need

Our helpline saw a record-breaking year, responding to nearly 5,000 emails and taking over 600 calls—a substantial increase from 2023. Every single enquiry represents an interaction between a person and a badger in which the badger has a better chance of a positive outcome.

Pioneering Research: State of the Badger

2024 also saw the successful pilot phase of the State of the Badger project, a groundbreaking volunteer-led initiative aimed at monitoring badger populations. Over the year, the our Research team delivered 11 training workshops to 205 volunteers, equipping them with the skills to contribute to this vital conservation effort.

A Huge Thank You to Our Supporters!

None of this would have been possible without you—our incredible supporters, volunteers, and donors. Your passion and dedication drive everything we do, and together, we are making a real difference for badgers across the UK.

Looking Forward 

As we celebrate our achievements, we are already looking ahead to 2025, setting ambitious new goals to further strengthen badger protection. 

2025 will be a pivotal year for badgers. While we are disappointed to continue fighting to end the badger culls, we will continue this endeavour with renewed determination. Additionally, we must prepare for an even more significant challenge: the planned housing revolution and changes to planning proposed by the Labour government.

We must also remember that wildlife crime remains an issue in Britain. We are committed to training and collaborating with police forces to ensure that those persecuting badgers face maximum penalties.

With a dedicated and experienced team driven by a new CEO at the helm, we are ready to achieve further progress for badgers in the coming year! 🦡