Forestry Commission to host badger-watch sessions

6:42pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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A CHANCE to see the UK's largest land carnivore and one of its most elusive inhabitants in its natural habitat is being offered by the Forestry Commission.

Due to stringent protection and the work of conservationists, the badger has made a comeback in North Yorkshire but, despite its distinctive stripes, the majority of people have never seen one. Spotting one can be difficult as they are mostly active during the night and spend long hours underground in their multi-chambered setts or dens.

Now rangers at Cropton Forest, near Pickering, have come up with a solution by staging badger watches every Wednesday from May 21 until August 6 at a secret location in the 9,000 acre forest.

Brian Walker, wildlife officer with the Forestry Commission, said: "We get people coming from well over 100 miles away to take part in these events. Seeing badgers and their cubs in their natural habitat is absolutely magical. They are very social animals. Some of the setts can be hundreds of years old, with a network of underground tunnels and chambers."

He said woods like Cropton and Dalby, which are two of the biggest forest areas in Yorkshire, offer a perfect environment, well away from the bustle of urban areas and traffic. It is estimated at least 50,000 badgers are killed on the nation's roads every year. The badger watchers meet at Stape, north of Pickering, at 7pm and sessions last about three hours. Booking is essential and full instructions on the rendezvous point will be provided when reservations are made. The cost is £10 per person and participants will need to provide their own transport.

To book a place phone 01751 472771.

More information on the Forestry Commission's Yorkshire and Humber woods can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk/yorkshireandthehumber