Dispute Arises Over Badger Sett Relocation for Housing Project

A disagreement has emerged concerning the handling of a badger sett located within the path of a significant residential development. This subterranean dwelling for badgers is situated on property designated for 380 residences, specifically between Pleasley and Mansfield in Nottinghamshire. Advocates for wildlife assert that the habitat, legally protected, has been improperly enclosed with fencing and that a newly constructed artificial sett has been poorly positioned. Conversely, Persimmon Homes stated its collaboration with Natural England to ensure the proper relocation of the badgers. Deliberately harming, demolishing, or obstructing entry to a sett, or disturbing badgers within one, constitutes a criminal offense carrying penalties of up to 6 months imprisonment and an unlimited monetary fine. Nevertheless, if interference is determined to be warranted and unavoidable, a permit can be acquired from Natural England. This necessitates either the availability of an appropriate alternative sett or the construction of a new artificial one in close proximity. Badger relocation is accomplished by installing one-way gates on the current sett, enabling the animals to exit but preventing their re-entry. Subsequently, a period of 21 days free from badger activity at the sett must pass before any disturbance is permitted. Representatives from the Mansfield and Warsop Wildlife Rescue Teams expressed their disappointment upon inspecting the location. Glenn Slaney, a member of the Warsop team, reported observing recent digging marks, which he worried could signify that badgers were either confined within the sett or remained active in the vicinity. He stated: “If the sett has been disturbed and evidence of fresh digging – which I personally have witnessed – the 21 days must be reset.” He added that this would push the timeline beyond November 30, and if evidence of the sett’s use persists by that date, work cannot commence due to the closed breeding season lasting until June. Natural England verified that it had granted a license for the project and endorsed the placement of the new sett. However, Mr. Slaney remained dissatisfied with the implemented mitigation strategies. “They have built an artificial sett quite a considerable distance from where original sett is,” he remarked. “It’s also an unsuitable location being right at the side of a main road.” He further noted, “Also the fact the land is also outlined for further developments in the future which means it will again get blocked and have to be moved on.” He concluded, “We have seen no evidence of badger use, we have however monitored much activity such as the many dog walkers, kids playing on it (sledging in the recent snow) and rats.” Persimmon, the developers of the site, stated that all work had been conducted in strict adherence to existing legislation. A company spokesperson commented: “We have obtained the appropriate licences from Natural England and are working with ecologists to help relocate some badgers to a newly built sett. “All of this is being overseen by independent ecologists in accordance with our Natural England Licence.“We take our wildlife and ecological obligations extremely seriously. Wherever protected species are found, we work with Natural England, the relevant authorities and expert ecologists to ensure that wildlife is re-located in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.” Persimmon additionally dismissed objections regarding the new sett, asserting its placement adjacent to a preserved woodland area. Ecologists overseeing this project, FPCR Environment and Design Limited, stated: “All works to close the sett have been carried out in accordance with a granted Natural England licence. “During the sett closure monitoring, no evidence has been found of badgers being trapped in the sett. It is best practice that badger sett locations should not be made publicly available.” Persimmon indicated that there was also proof of badgers having occupied their new dwelling, where provisions had been provided for them. The company has also proposed arranging a meeting between local wildlife organizations and the ecologist to address any concerns. The local wildlife teams expressed their intention to participate in an on-site meeting scheduled for the following week.