Frequently asked questions
You can find answers to our most frequently asked questions by searching on a keyword or category on the right.
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Badgers on development land
Badgers and their setts are legally protected. It is an offence to kill a badger or to damage, destroy or obstruct access to a sett. Planning authorities are required to take account of protected species and habitat conservation when they consider planning applications. Licences to interfere with a badger sett may be granted for the purpose of any development.
Developers should seek advice through the appropriate statutory nature conservation agency: Natural England, Countryside Council for Wales or Scottish Natural Heritage.
If local residents wish to object to planning applications because of the presence of badgers, they should do so through their nearest badger group or wildlife trust.
The RSPCA's information sheet Living with badgers (PDF 203KB) provides lots of information about badgers.
You may also wish to read the Natural England booklet 'Badgers and Development' which is available free of charge from enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
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