DATE
Saturday,
24th October
9am to 5pm (10am start)
LOCATION
University of Northampton Waterside Campus University Drive Northampton
NN1 5PH
CONTENT
10+ Speakers
5+ Sessions
Partner Trade Stalls
Badger Birthday Celebration
The Badger Trust Symposium 2026
Saturday, 24th October 2026, 9am to 5pm (10am start)
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We bring together leading experts to explore issues impacting badgers today.
The Symposium is a full-day event packed with helpful information that offers you a unique opportunity to connect and network with fellow badger appreciators and protectors.
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Our panel of experts will share the latest developments on a wide range of badger-focused matters, including the the impact of new planning legislation, rescue and rehabilitation, campaigning, crime and badger ecology.
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The 2026 Badger Trust Symposium
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Firmly focused on badgers, this exclusive in-person Symposium brings together renowned experts to present sessions on a wide range of badger-related topics. You will have a unique opportunity to connect with people – like you – who are passionate, engaged and involved in the fascinating world of badgers.
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Symposium date and time
Saturday, 24th October 2026 from 9am to 5pm (10am start)
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Location
University of Northampton, Waterside Campus, University Drive, Northampton, NN1 5PH
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Symposium Programme Highlights - TBC
10+ speakers and 5+ sessions firmly focused on badgers, more details to be announced soon!
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Rachel Bigsby: Wildlife photographer
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Rachel will take you into the world of badger photography and the six-plus years she's spent documenting a single clan living in an ancient bluebell woodland in Sussex.
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​Sharing how long-term, patient photography has allowed Rachel to build trust, understand behaviour, and tell a more intimate story. Rachel will also reflect on the role of storytelling through photography as a tool for awareness and change, particularly through her work filming badgers for Wild Isles with Sir David Attenborough and other BBC programmes.​
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​​Rob Pownall: Guest speaker from Protect the Wild
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Rob Pownall is the founder of Protect the Wild, a UK non-profit organisation working to protect all British wildlife from suffering. Through undercover investigations, political campaigning and public mobilisation, Protect the Wild exposes wildlife crime and challenges the power structures that enable it.
Existential Crisis? Planning for Badgers​
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With badgers threatened once again through new planning legislation we know areas that have been strongholds for badgers are now at risk. Setts that were hundreds of years in the making are now threatened with destruction.​
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We will address the latest threat to badgers with a panel TBC
Hunting Act - What will it mean for Badgers?
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We welcome Matt Longman and Aaron Flint to reveal the latest on wildlife crime legislation and what it will mean for badgers.
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Plus they will explain the latest data on wildlife crime and the impact this is having on human and animal communities.
Celebrate 40 Years with Us!
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Join us for a reception to raise a glass and celebrate Badger Trust and all our achievements over the past 40 years.
2026 marks 40 years since Badger Trust was formed, in a pub (where all the best ideas happen) as the first dedicated badgers groups decided to team up and achieve more together.​​
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Make Friends for Life
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People always tell us the best part of coming to the Symposium is the chance to meet other like-minded badger enthusiasts and experts. Whether that be badger beginners at the start of their journey, or seasoned badger rescuers with 20+ years of hands-on experience.
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With this in mind we're making more time to network and connect with friends, old and new!​
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Symposium Sponsor - Wild View Cameras
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Who can resist the urge to nerd out over the latest technology in digital photography and video?
Wildview Cameras, our badger friends and long-term supporters, will be running a stand so you can shop till you drop with the best quality wildlife camera equipment from this wildlife friendly family business.
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Oh, and the best part? There's a special discount just for Symposium delegates on the day!
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We offer a range of sponsorship options!
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£500 sponsorship package includes:
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A stand throughout the day
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3 delegate passes
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Leaflet in the delegate pack
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Mention as corporate sponsor on all promotional material
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Inclusion in event program
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Get in touch to find out more!
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​Symposium Tickets
24th October Badger Trust Symposium day ticket
In-person Symposium attendance at the University of Northampton with guest speakers and panels. Includes a buffet lunch, tea, coffee and snacks, and excellent networking opportunities.
Delegate tickets are limited to 120, so grab yours quickly!
Tickets are priced to make the event ‘break even’ and no profit is made from running this event.
£50 Badger Group Member's Ticket
Our Group Member’s Ticket is for all registered members of one of Badger Trust's full or associate Badger Groups. Tickets.
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£50 Student Ticket
Our Student Ticket is for students with a valid ID. Tickets.
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​£70 Early Bird Supporter Ticket
Our Early Bird Supporter Ticket is for all signed-up Badger Trust supporters. For a limited time, we have 35 tickets available. Tickets.
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£100 Standard Day Ticket
This ticket is for all badger enthusiasts who want to learn more about badgers and the issues they face. Tickets.
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Symposium New Location!
University of Northampton​
The university has a guide for visitors, which you can check here.
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The university is a 25 minute walk, or a short taxi ride from Northampton train station.
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There is paid parking on-site, see the visitor guide for details. University of Northampton Car Park 4 is a three minute walk from the venue.
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Hotel rooms
For those that want to stay overnight, rooms are available to book on campus at the special Symposium price of £65 room only or £70 bed and breakfast. To book, please email SunleyHotel@northampton.ac.uk and confirm you are a Badger Trust Symposium event attendee.​
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Vegan Catering
This year's event will be vegan, with a fully vegan buffet for lunch. Both non-dairy and dairy milk will be available for hot drinks throughout the day.
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Brock Shop & Wildview Cameras
We're bringing the Brock Shop to you!
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The Brock Shop is all about high-quality products designed in the UK by local artisans. We are thrilled to support British talent while raising funds to help us protect badgers for generations to come.
To preview what we'll be bringing, visit the Brock Shop online.​
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Wildview Cameras will be running a stand so you can shop for the best quality wildlife camera equipment from this wildlife friendly family business.
