Protecting Badgers from Persecution in the UK

In the United Kingdom, badgers are one of the most protected species in law but they remain vulnerable to persecution and cruelty. Practices such as badger baiting, the illegal destruction of badger setts (their natural burrows) and illegal shooting of badgers are of such concern that badger protection is a current UK Wildlife Crime Priority.

This project aims to improve the protection of badgers through providing free training of the UK Police’s wildlife crime unit and others involved in badger protection and wildlife enforcement. The digital training will provide officers with an understanding of how badgers are exploited, the types of crime committed against them and how to effectively prosecute those responsible. We believe this is an effective way to reduce, and hopefully stop, the persecution of badgers in the UK.

Global Nature Conservation Solutions will design and deliver specific training on badger protection to 400 police officers working under the umbrella of the Wildlife Crime Unit, eventually making it freely available for thousands of people involved in badger protection and wildlife enforcement. The project will take place over six months.