Founded in 1981 the group exists to protect and study the badger in its natural environment with the purpose of ensuring the long term safety and survival of perhaps one of Britain 's best-loved animals.

Durham County Badger Group is assisting in the protection of the badger by:

• Protecting the distribution and status of badgers in County Durham, the boroughs of Darlington, Gateshead and South Tyneside and the City of Sunderland.  

•  Regularly monitoring setts to check for damage and disturbance.  

•  Liaising with Police and the 'R.S.P.C.A.' to prosecute offenders.  

•  Advising on proposed roads, housing, mining and other developments threatening to badgers.  

•  Strengthening badger setts to protect badgers from disturbance.  

•  Lobbying M.P.s and other decision makers to improve protection for the badger.  

•  Establishing veterinary experts with the rehabilitation and re-homing of badgers.  

You too can help

If you know a local badger sett, check it occasionally for signs of disturbance. If you see suspicious activity at a badger sett, do not approach the people involved. They are usually hardened and violent criminals.

You should however:-

Contact the Police immediately, dial 999. Make a note of the description of any individuals, their dogs, and any implements they may have.

Note down any care registration numbers that are in the area.

If you come across a disturbance at a sett after the event, you should contact Durham County Badger Group, via the telephone number below. Any notes you make could prove to be very useful.

You should also inform us of any road casualties you see, by ringing the same number.

Better still, why not join DURHAM COUNTY BADGER GROUP and do that much more to help the badger. Call Durham Wildlife Trust on the number below.

Useful telephone numbers