European badgers (meles meles) are short, stout, powerful animals that live in underground 'setts'. They are members of the mustelid family which includes pine martens, otters, polecats, ferrets and wolverines. Their range extends from Britain, across Europe and to the middle east.

 

The badger is one of the UK's most recognised and popular mammals, bringing pleasure to thousands of people and is a living symbol of the British countryside.

 

Despite being protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 badgers remain threatened by illegal persecution, wildlife crime, intrusive property developments and the Government-licensed badger cull which was came to Hampshire in 2021.