Get Sett Initiative by the Scottish Badger Association
How to join the effort to protect badgers
The Scottish Badger Association (SBA) runs an important surveying initiative called "Get Sett" aimed at protecting and monitoring badger populations across Scotland. Funded by the National Lottery, this initiative organises a series of training sessions and field activities designed to equip volunteers with the skills needed to monitor badger setts in a variety of locations.
Today, I hope to persuade you why you might wish to get involved, and provide details on upcoming training sessions in the Highlands, as well as some fascinating facts about these amazing creatures.
What is the Get Sett Initiative?
The Get Sett initiative focuses on the conservation of badgers through habitat monitoring, sett surveying, and community engagement. Volunteers play a crucial role in this initiative by helping to collect up to date data on badger activity, which informs conservation strategies and helps to mitigate threats to badgers, such as habitat destruction and illegal persecution.
Badgers live in social groups called clans, which typically consist of several adults and their young. They have a varied diet, primarily earthworms, but they also eat fruits, small mammals, and insects. Badgers are generally nocturnal, emerging from their setts at dusk to forage. Badgers are often misunderstood animals, and several misconceptions exist about them:
Aggressiveness: Badgers are not inherently aggressive and will generally avoid human contact. They may defend themselves if threatened but are typically shy and reclusive.
Damage to Gardens and Livestock: While badgers may occasionally dig in gardens searching for food, they are not generally destructive and play an important role in controlling pest populations. A recent Nature.Scot study showed that badgers presence at livestock kills more often relates to scavanging after the kill, rather than predation. Foxes DNA on the otherhand was present in 87% of the samples.
Disease Carriers: There is a common (but but often exaggerated) understanding that badgers are carriers of bovine tuberculosis. While they can carry the disease, they are only one of many potential reservoirs, and the issue is complex and multifaceted.
History of Persecution and Protection
Historically, badgers have faced significant persecution, including hunting and baiting, often based on these unfounded fears and misconceptions. In response to declining populations and ethical concerns, legal protections were established. The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 makes it illegal to harm, capture, or disturb badgers and their setts in the UK. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 provides additional protection to badgers and their habitats.
These protections are essential in ensuring the survival and welfare of badgers in the wild, but there is a need for monitoring.
How Can You Get Involved in protecting Badgers?
Getting involved in the Get Sett initiative is a fantastic way to contribute to wildlife conservation while gaining hands-on experience in the field. SBA are actively looking for surveyers in the Highlands region particularly in the Far North and also in the Great Glen area.
What You Will Learn on the Training Course
The training courses are free and are designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and practical skills essential for badger conservation. Participants will learn to identify badger setts, distinguish between active and inactive ones, and understand their significance in badger ecology. They will gain the ability to spot badger trails and prints, which is crucial for tracking and monitoring their movements. The courses also cover data recording techniques, ensuring that volunteers can accurately record data on badger activity. Additionally, participants will explore the life cycle, social structure, and behaviours of badgers to appreciate their role in the ecosystem.
Follow the following steps to participate:
1. Sign Up for Training: Register for one of the upcoming training sessions listed below by emailing morag@scottishbadgers.org.. These sessions include both online and field components to provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge.
2. Attend Online Training: Participate in the scheduled online training to learn about badger ecology, surveying techniques, and data recording.
3. Join Field Training: Take part in on-site field training sessions where you will practise your skills under the guidance of experienced SBA members.
4. Start Surveying: Once trained, you can join other volunteers in surveying local areas, recording badger activity, and helping to protect these wonderful creatures.
Upcoming HIghlands Training Sessions
Highland Great Glen/Fort Augustus
Online Training: 5th September 2024
Field Training: 8th September 2024
Highland Caithness/Sutherland
Online Training: 5th September 2024
Field Training: 7th September 2024
How to Register
To register for a training session or learn more about the Get Sett initiative, email Morag at morag@scottishbadgers.org.uk. Please mention that you read about it on our site! Spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up early to secure your spot.
Join us in the Get Sett initiative and help protect Scotland's badgers for future generations.
Together, we can make a difference!
For any further information or specific enquiries about badgers/badger activities in your area, please contact the Scottish Badger Association at info@scottishbadgers.org.uk or call +44 (0)1234 567890.
