Responsible badger watching

Sett-le in at a badger sett

If you are hoping to see badgers, the best way to do so is to attend a responsible badger watching event. You can contact your local group to see if this is a service they offer. Or better still, volunteer with your local badger group!

 

Badger watching need not be as complicated as it seems if you are willing to put in the effort and prepare your watching experience in advance.  While every experience is different, we have prepared a quick guide to help you get the most out of your badger watching experience.  With a little preparation, you too can experience one of the UK's most unique and iconic animals in their natural habitats.

 

1. Find a Sett

We recommend that you don’t walk blindly into badger watching. Make sure you have prepared everything as best you can. If you know of a sett, you’re in luck. If not, you can join your local badger group or carry out your own survey.

 

2. Prepare the Sett

• Prepare the sett much earlier in the day. 

• Make sure you are downwind of the sett (i.e. the wind is flowing towards you, not from behind you). If you can, make sure there are several options for places to sit,  which will help if you arrive and the wind direction has changed. 

• Your viewing points should be free from debris like leaves that will make a rustling noise if you move. 

• Clear your entry and exit points to minimise disturbance which could ruin your viewing. DO NOT walk over the sett and,if you can, completely avoid walking close to the sett altogether. Badgers can detect your many hours after you have been around.

 

3. Prepare Yourself

• Make sure to wear dark clothing to help you blend into the background. 

• Sitting for a long time, even in the summer, can get chilly.  So make sure to wear plenty of layers but avoid waterproofs. Waterproofs can make a rustling noise enough for the badgers to hear, even if you only move slightly! 

• Perfumes are a no-no. You want to ensure the badgers do not smell anything out of the ordinary, as they have an incredible sense of smell!

 

4. Arrive Before Dusk

• Make sure to arrive at least one hour before dusk. 

• In summer, badgers can become quite unpredictable about what time they come out of the sett. So it is worth getting to know the habits of the group you are watching better before you try to watch them. 

• Depending on the location of the sett you are watching, the group may come out much earlier or much later than dusk. 

• As a general rule, ensure you are in your badger watching location for at least one hour before the badgers emerge to get the best results.

 

5. Things to remember

 

Do

• Bring binoculars: They can help you see in the dark! Low magnification and wide diameter work best. Get them out in advance. 

• Use a torch: However, it needs to be dim. Red light is best. Cover a torch with red cellophane.

• Get everything out and ready in advance: Even the slightest rustle is enough for the badgers to hear you.

 

Don't

• Let badgers see you: Make necessary movements while the badgers are looking away. 

• Let badgers smell you: Perfumes are a no-no!

• Let badgers hear you: Materials like waterproof clothing make loud rustling.