Sun, Sea, Sand and... Badger Crime Awareness Training
- Badger Trust Staff Team
- Jul 14, 2022
- 4 min read
Groups Coordinator, Zoe Egan, joins in with a Badger Trust training session for Hertfordshire and Middlesex Badger Group.
I recently attended Badger Trust’s Badger Crime Awareness Training, a programme that Badger Trust offers to Badger Groups nationally as a benefit of affiliate membership to help support them in their vital work on the frontline of badger protection.
Despite their protection in law, badgers continue to be one of the most persecuted species. Even more alarming is that most incidents go unreported, which is why we campaign so vigorously to keep Badger Crime high on both public and political agendas.
This Crime Awareness training session was hosted by Chris Wood, Chair of Hertfordshire and Middlesex Badger Group (HMBG), longstanding Badger Trust affiliates and seasoned badger protectors. The training was led by Badger Trust’s very own Wildlife Crime and Training Officer, Craig Fellowes. Craig, a former police officer with more than thirty years of wildlife crime experience, is dedicated to monitoring and tracking badger crime across England and Wales.
With over twenty HMBG associates in attendance, it was heartwarming to be amongst such a large and energised group, all wanting to make the world a better place for badgers.
Chris’ chosen training venue was Ruislip Lido’s Woodland Centre in West London. However, in such a glorious setting, accompanied by blazing sunshine and crowds of sun-worshippers outside, it felt like we were in the Mediterranean!
Craig split the training into two halves; theory first thing and practical application in the afternoon. The training content revealed the different methods used to persecute badgers, how to recognise the signs, and how recording and reporting badger crime helps investigators bring offenders to justice. The key learning drummed into us by Craig was the Three Rs: Recognise, Record and Report badger crime.
When it came to the practical training exercise, our Group turned a few heads, dressed as we were in outdoor gear whilst other guests basked in their swimwear! But our fashion faux pas didn’t detract from our newfound knowledge, a knowledge that can improve the lives of thousands of badgers.
Chris Wood, HMBG Chair, explained:
“We had very positive feedback from attendees on an excellent event. Ruislip Lido made it feel like a day out at the seaside and the glorious weather and crowds completed the effect!
Whilst the purpose of the training was to upskill members, we are pleased to report that so far, HMBG has received five new memberships. The occasion also forged co-operative links with colleagues with regard to badger protection and badger-friendly initiatives.
It is important for badger group members and others to know what they are looking for and what to do in relation to potential wildlife crime. We really appreciate Craig's excellent knowledge and his ability to answer all our questions.”
Our thanks go to Chris, Frank and Graeme for hosting us and to all associates attending for donating their sunny Saturday to help make an impact for badgers. Our mission is to promote and enhance the welfare, conservation and protection of badgers, their setts and their habitats. Badger Trust Crime Awareness Training has an essential role to play, which is why it’s just one of the many benefits of Badger Trust Group membership.
Whilst Group members are trained to the highest level, we also urge the public to be aware and report any suspicious crime incidents to the authorities and Badger Trust’s Reporting Centre.
So whilst sun, sea, sand and Badger Crime Awareness Training are not your regular holiday combo, we urge everyone to make recognising, recording and reporting badger crime part of their regular routine. Even better, join Badger Trust and your local badger group today to help us #StopBadgerCrime and deliver justice for badgers.
How can you help badgers?
Get involved – volunteer with your local badger group and support badgers near you
We have an affiliated network of over 50 local badger groups, all run by volunteers and all working to deliver services to help badgers on the ground. This ‘badger army’ is a lifeline for badgers. Volunteers give their time and energy to provide services that help and often save badgers – here and now.
Download and display our Stop Badger Crime campaign posters
Our free-to-download posters are ideal for schools, colleges, and community centres:
Badger Trust Protect Both: A4 poster
Badger Trust Remember the 3 Rs: A4 poster
How to report Badger Crime: A4 poster
Help us campaign for tougher sentencing
You can join our PBA30 campaign and add your voice to our call for better protection for badgers. We’ve written to the Defra Secretary of State, Rt Hon George Eustice MP, to ask him to extend sentencing for badger crime. This would mean sentences for crimes such as badger baiting and shooting can present a real deterrent to badger abusers.
Please write to the Secretary of State and your MP too. The more letters they receive, the more chance we have of bringing about change, and as quickly as possible.
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