Badger Trust Statement on Badger Removal Companies

Badger Trust has had several enquiries about a company advertising its services with the unfortunate marketing tag of badger 'removals'.

Crown and Burrows operates across the south from a base in Surrey. It was founded by Peter Higgs, the owner of PGH Pest Control, which is based at the same address and has franchises across England and Wales. We also know of 360 Wildlife Control Services, another company that claims to operate throughout the UK. 

Badger Trust would choose better wording. Let’s be clear: badgers do not 'infest' anywhere.  

Badgers have lived in Britain for over 250,000 years. They are a vital part of our natural heritage, and their setts, often centuries old, are integral to the shared landscape. Having built on badger habitats, we can't be surprised when these native mammals try to continue living where their ancestors have always lived. Similarly, in many rural areas, where they have been persecuted to the point of local extinction, we can't be surprised when they seek homes in safer places. 

But it can be a surprise for a householder to find that badgers have set up home in their gardens. Lots of householders are delighted, of course, and some others are happy to learn to live alongside wildlife, but not everyone is, and then they look for help. 

Where coexistence isn’t possible, a licence from Natural England is required to disturb or relocate badgers in England. These licences are not granted lightly – you must show you’ve tried everything possible to avoid affecting badgers. 

We checked with Natural England, and they confirmed what we know, that any licence application submitted to them must be supported by an on-site survey to determine the extent of any issues raised appropriately and confirm the presence of badgers. 

So a virtual survey, as offered by Crown & Burrows, would never be enough to apply for a licence, and we don't believe that's what the company intends either.

It's not an uncommon marketing approach to offer a free service, such as a virtual survey, which confirms that you need a follow-up and chargeable visit. 

Natural England told us, "If there are specific concerns about activities being carried out under a licence we’ve issued, please let us know. As you will know, we can undertake compliance checks for work carried out under licence and take enforcement action where appropriate." 

For further advice on licences and badgers, and to familiarise yourself with what is and is not permitted, please look at Badger Trust’s Planning Guide and refer to the published standing advice from Natural England. 

Badger Trust strongly advises that all sett and badger surveys be carried out by qualified ecologists with specific training and experience in badger ecology. It’s important to remember that not every hole in the ground is a sett, and a quiet sett doesn’t mean it’s inactive. We recommend choosing ecologists who are members of a recognised professional body, such as the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), to ensure high standards of practice. If there are concerns about misleading claims, unprofessional conduct or false advertising, these can be reported to the relevant professional body. 

Sadly, human activity has increasingly brought badgers into conflict with people. Through creating space for badgers, understanding and the right advice, we can learn to live alongside & coexist with this iconic and ecologically important native species. 

Badgers and their setts are protected by law. The Protection of Badgers Act (1992) strictly prohibits any malicious or negligent act which disturbs badgers or their homes. Anyone in breach of the law can face an unlimited fine and up to six months' imprisonment.