Badger awareness for foresters
Working around badgers and their setts was the theme of a professional development day in north Argyll for new Forestry and Land Scotland operations staff earlier this month (5 February).
Badgers and their setts are protected by law and can be found in a variety of habitats, including native woodland. As social animals, they can also use several setts within their territory.
It is therefore vital that anyone working in forestry or conservation knows how to spot setts and signs of badger activity and plan their work around their presence.
Assistant Operations Manager, Stuart Findlay, said;
“Conserving wildlife and habitats is a major consideration when we are planning and then carrying our forestry operations, so it’s really important that we are all aware of our roles and responsibilities, especially when it comes to protected species.
“This was a great training day that was especially helpful for newer members of staff but which strengthened everyone’s understanding of best practice
“It also helped brush up our field skills, learning how to identify the key signs of badger activity, distinguish active setts, and recognise the differences between badger setts and fox dens.
“Given that we are seeing an increase in badger activity and presence in many of the forests we manage, it was a very helpful, enjoyable and timely training day.”
Several setts were visited across contrasting landscapes, from dense woodland to open hill, to compare and contrast sett features and illustrate how terrain influences animal behaviour.
The development day also addressed the buffer zones required around fox, badger, and otter habitats, discussing how best to plan ground preparation, woodland creation, and fencing in ways that safeguard these protected species.
It is illegal to harm badgers or their setts. However, in some circumstances land managers can be granted a licence (issued by NatureScot) to carry out actions that would otherwise constitute an offence.
Notes to Editors
- Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
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