Ecological survey calendar › Badgers
When to survey for badgers in Wales and England
Updated November 2026. Based on current Natural England standing advice and NRW and Natural England badger licensing practice.
Badger surveys can be done at any time of year, but setts and field signs are easiest to find from February to April and in October and November, when vegetation is low and badgers are active. Licensed sett closure is normally only allowed from July to November.
Survey windows, sensitive periods and works timing
| Activity | Type | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sett surveys | Survey | Feb to Apr; May to Sep (not ideal); Oct to Nov; Dec to Jan (not ideal) | Possible all year. Easiest when vegetation is low and badgers are active. |
| Breeding season | Sensitive period | Dec to Jun | Cubs are underground. Sett interference is not normally licensed in this period. |
| Licensed sett closure | Works window | Jul to Nov | The period in which licences for sett closure are normally issued. |
Optimal survey Possible, not ideal Sensitive period Works window
Timing depends on the site, the weather in a given year and what the planning authority and licensing body need. Upland and northern sites can run later. See every species group side by side on the ecological survey calendar.
About badgers
Badgers live in social groups in setts dug into banks, woodland edges and hedgerows. Cubs are born underground in late winter and stay below ground until spring.
Legal protection
Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.
Licensing
Wales: Interference with a sett needs a licence from Natural Resources Wales.
England: Interference with a sett needs a licence from Natural England.
Practical tips
- Find setts before fixing a site layout. Buffers around active setts can shape a scheme.
- Use trail cameras to show which entrances are in use before applying for a licence.
Common questions
When is the best time for a badger survey?
Any time of year, but February to April and October to November are best because vegetation is low and badgers are active. Bait marking to map territories is done February to April or October to November (Natural England standing advice).
When can a badger sett be closed?
Licences for sett closure are normally only issued for July to November, outside the breeding season when cubs are underground.
When can I apply for a badger licence?
In Wales, Natural Resources Wales licenses sett interference for development only after full planning permission has been granted. In England, Natural England normally expects planning permission first as well.
Need a survey or advice on timing? Ecoleg's licensed ecologists programme surveys across Wales and England so the right work happens in the right season. Call 07356 123706.
Request a quoteSee the full calendarSources
- Harris, S., Cresswell, P. and Jefferies, D. (1989) Surveying Badgers. Mammal Society.
- Natural England and Natural Resources Wales badger licensing guidance (current).
- Natural England (2025) Protected species and development: advice for local planning authorities, survey timings table (accessed November 2026).
Updated November 2026. General guidance only: confirm timing for your site with a suitably qualified ecologist.