Badger Trust celebrates two new badger groups in England & Wales

Badger Trust Staff Team
6 days ago
3 min read

Pembrokeshire and South Wealden badger groups form to protect badgers locally

Badger Trust is delighted to announce the formation of two new local badger groups: Pembrokeshire Badger Group in West Wales and South Wealden Badger Group in East Sussex.

These groups have been set up with support from Badger Trust’s dedicated Groups Manager, filling a much-needed gap in areas that have been without a dedicated badger group for decades.

The new groups join a growing network of more than 50 volunteer-led badger groups across England and Wales. Together, these groups play a vital role in protecting badgers, from recording and protecting setts and responding to local threats, to advising on planning applications and campaigning for stronger legal protection.

National welcome from Badger Trust

Sally Jones, Groups Manager at Badger Trust, said:

“It has been a pleasure working with Jo and Sally to set up these new groups in Pembrokeshire and South Wealden. Their true dedication to badgers is clear. The groundwork is done, and now we urge more locals to step forward and join them to help protect these amazing animals.”

Sally added:

“Badgers need local badger groups more than ever, and we look forward to working with them well into the future. We’re delighted to welcome them into the Badger Trust clan.”

Pembrokeshire Badger Group

Jo, Chairperson of the newly formed Pembrokeshire Badger Group, commented:

“The group has hit the ground running, responding to calls about injured badgers and facing harsh scrutiny from those who wrongly blame them for bovine TB. We face an uphill task dispelling this misinformation and setting up a proper rescue service, but we’ve already had fantastic support from sister badger groups and local ecologists. We’re also linking with other wildlife organisations to help lay the groundwork for a future rescue and rehabilitation centre in Pembrokeshire.

We’re tackling wider threats too — from sett destruction and ‘pristine lawn’ pressures to dangerous deterrents, traffic casualties and the cruelty of snares and baiting. Looking ahead, our focus is clear: securing stronger protections for Welsh badgers ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections. There’s a lot to do, but with growing support, we’re determined to make a real difference.”

South Wealden Badger Group

Sally, Chairperson of South Wealden Badger Group, commented:

“South Wealden has a thriving badger population, but they face growing threats from development, traffic and persecution. We want to make sure local badgers have a voice and that our community can help safeguard their future.

Seeing so many badgers killed on the roads and witnessing some of the negative attitudes towards wildlife was what first inspired me to take action a few years ago. With support from Badger Trust, that idea has now become a reality. I’m incredibly proud that we can stand up for these wonderful animals and do everything we can to protect them.”

“Local groups are at the heart of badger conservation, and Badger Trust is proud to support them. Together, we can make a real difference for these iconic animals.”

— Badger Trust

Why Local Badger Groups Matter

Badger Trust works with a national network of affiliated volunteer-led badger groups across England and Wales. These groups provide invaluable support to badgers and their habitats through:

Surveying, recording and monitoring setts to safeguard habitats and inform development proposals.
Rescuing and rehabilitating injured or orphaned badgers in partnership with wildlife rescue organisations.
Responding to threats, including persecution and road traffic collisions.
Advising landowners, agencies and the public on lawful badger protection.
Supporting police and other organisations in badger-related incidents.
Running community talks and events to raise awareness and inspire local action.
Supporting Badger Trust’s national campaigns at a local level.

Get Involved

If you’d like to support badger protection in your area, use our Badger Groups Map to find your local affiliated group. Alternatively, search online for your county or town plus “badger group.”

No Groups in your area?

If there’s no group near you and you’re interested in starting one, we’d love to hear from you. Email groups@badgertrust.org.uk and we can help you explore options in your region, connect with other supporters, and raise local awareness.