Badger Ecology in a Changing Landscape

Join badger expert, Adrian Coward, for an informative and practical workshop exploring the impact of a changing environment on badger populations. This event is designed for ecologists, landowners, rewilding rangers, conservationists and anyone who wants to understand how habitat changes, rewilding, conservation efforts, and livestock management influence badger behaviour and welfare.

The following key topics will be covered and we will invite attendees to submit questions or additional areas they would like to hear more about when they book for the event:

• Badger biology and behaviour,
• Badger ecology and environmental change: the impact on badger populations,
• Fencing and land management: best practices for creating badger-friendly environments while protecting woodlands and biodiversity,
• The role of vaccination programmes,
• Artificial setts & habitat creation: when and how to use artificial setts to support displaced or at-risk badger populations,
• Considerations when introducing bovine stock, including disease risk, habitat use, and co-existence strategies.

About Adrian Coward

Adrian is a professional wildlife ecologist with over 35 years practical experience. He was a founder member of the Somerset Badger Group and held office within this group for 25 years from its formation in 1989. He has designed and delivered courses on badger biology, badger behaviour and field surveying, for individuals, wildlife trusts, private and public companies, the Police and RSPCA. He is also an approved trainer to train others in badger trapping and vaccination, which includes surveying for badgers, and recording badger setts and badger field signs.

TIMINGS

10am Refreshments and introductions at Heal Somerset farmhouse

12.45pm Lunch (please bring your own)

4pm Event ends

LOCATION

Heal Somerset is in a very rural location, a few miles from Bruton, Frome, the A303 and the Wiltshire border, at Lower West Barn Farm, Bindon Lane, Witham Friary, BA11 5HH. Directions will be sent in a confirmation email.

CLOTHING AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

It is not likely to be wet underfoot at this time of year but we do recommend that you wear sturdy waterproof shoes or walking boots suitable for rough, uneven ground. If the forecast is wet, bring a waterproof jacket and a hat and dress warmly.

[We give this level of detail to encourage wider participation in our events by people who may be unfamiliar with being out in nature and we hope this is useful for them as well as a reminder to those already aware.]

ACCESSIBILITY

The site is not yet wheelchair-accessible, but we do have one all-terrain mobility scooter available. If you would like to use this, please let us know ahead of the event.

If you use an assistance dog, your dog will be welcome.

If you have any additional questions about accessibility please email events@healrewilding.org.uk.

OTHER THINGS

Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel this workshop and either refund you or book you into an alternative date. This would be due to a very poor weather forecast or illness and will be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Please note, tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.

Children and babies

Children over 14 are welcome at this workshop as are babies in slings (the site is not pushchair-friendly in a lot of areas). Please contact events@healrewilding.org.uk for more information about bringing children.

Dogs

We welcome assistance dogs but you can't bring a pet dog or any other pets to the site.

Supporting Heal

Please note, all proceeds from this event will go towards supporting the work of Heal.

You'll also have the chance to become a Friend of Heal and to donate to support our work.

Special ticketing

If you are unwaged, a student or living on a very low income and the cost of attending is prohibitive, please email events@healrewilding.org.uk as we may be able to support your attendance. Please note this may not always be possible.

Local accommodation

We can't offer accommodation yet at Heal Somerset. There are lots of places to stay in and around Frome and Bruton.

Transport

The remote rural location means that travelling here by car is the most practical option and there will be car parking available for all tour participants.