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GPR technology is ideal for locating and mapping the extents of badger setts.

GPR survey is a non-destructive geophysical survey technique which can be used to detect badger tunnels and map the extents of badger setts without causing any damage or interference to the sett or to the badgers themselves.

As a result, GPR surveys are compliant with the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.

A GPR survey can be used to determine the size of a sett, to map tunnels and chambers, or to determine the extents of spurious tunnels which extend away from a known sett location. On other occasions, a GPR survey can also be used to confirm that there is no evidence of badgers within a given area and provide a degree of confidence upon which to base planning decisions.

A GPR survey is not a substitute for an environmental survey from a trained ecologist and should be considered as an additional layer of information rather than an alternative.

topographic map with water contour lines

Benefits of GPR for badger sett surveys

Granting planning permission

Knowing the extent of the badger setts can help in achieving planning consent

Compliance with the law

Commission a badger survey to ensure the law is followed

Protection of badgers

Knowing where badger tunnels are allows accidental damage to be avoided

Non-intrusive method

GPR surveys do not cause any damage to the sett or harm to the badgers

Why choose us for your badger sett survey?

check icon Extensive experience and expertise in badger sett surveys
check icon Strong quality control processes
check icon Results clearly presented and easily understood
check icon Experts in GPR and Geophysical surveys

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FAQ

How large are badger setts?

Badger setts can cover an extensive area up to 50m in diameter, with some being much larger. Typically, a badger sett can have between 6 to 20 entrances, but it is possible for there to be 50 in extreme cases. Tunnels will be typically between 1 and 3m below the surface, but they can be deeper.

Where are badger setts?

Badger setts will be typically in well drained areas, among the roots of large trees, or amongst bushes and dense vegetation, which provides protection from predators. However, where the opportunity is present, setts can also be found in open grassland and meadows. Setts can also be found in sandy or clay soils, but unlikely in hard or rocky grounds.

What should I do if a badger sett is located on my site?

Consult with ecologists and/or undertake a GPR survey to determine the extents of the problem. If interference with the sett is unavoidable, it is necessary to apply for a license from Natural England or the relevant authority.

How long does a badger sett survey take?

This will depend on the extents of the area to be surveyed, whether that incorporates only one sett of multiple setts. However, under most circumstances the survey will be completed within one shift on site followed by a period of office-based data processing and interpretation.

How much does a badger sett survey cost?

Costs will vary based on the survey location, the size of the area on site and the amount of data processing involved. Contact us for a site-specific quotation.

When should a badger sett survey be conducted?

A badger sett survey should be conducted prior to any development or land change use, if there is evidence of badger activity on or near to the site.
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