Badger Survey Impacts and Mitigation

Summary

This workshop will provide an overview of badger legislation, ecology and survey in the morning. In the afternoon impacts to badgers and mitigation options will be discussed, to include sett exclusion, destruction and artificial sett construction.

Description

The course will look at key badger legislation and the licensing process in relation to loss of or disturbance to badgers setts through development or forestry work (primarily in Scotland). There will be an overview of badger ecology and a detailed look at how to undertake badger survey (including the use of camera traps and bait marking) and badger field signs.

A range of case studies will be presented to help participants gain a greater understanding of badger mitigation and compensation options. Best practice in (licensed) badger sett destruction will be discussed. Other topics will include best practice guidance to minimize impacts when working close to badger setts and what to include in a toolbox talk. The course should enable delegates to prepare licence applications and badger Species Protection Plans with more confidence.
Opportunity will be given for questions and discussion. Advice on further reading and key references will be given.

Who Should Attend?

Consultants, local authority ecologists, conservation officers, students, environmental managers.

Knowledge Level

Beginner - Intermediate

Prior Knowledge

No prior knowledge or experience is required to attend this training.

Learning Outcomes

• Increased knowledge of legislation in relation to badgers
• Increased knowledge of badger ecology and field signs
• Increased knowledge of potential impacts to badger
• Increased knowledge of badger mitigation options

Tickets