Project Overview
EMEC was commissioned to assist a homeowner in Sneinton, Nottingham, whose garden patio had subsided due to a badger sett located directly beneath it. The affected area posed a safety risk and prevented the homeowner and his elderly mother from safely enjoying their outdoor space. Working alongside Innovation Group, EMEC provided ecological expertise to ensure the issue was resolved in full compliance with wildlife legislation and in a way that prioritised the welfare of the badgers.
The Challenge
After noticing ground movement and clear evidence of badger activity, the homeowner experienced major disruption to their daily life. The sinking patio not only created a safety hazard in the garden but also raised concerns about the structural stability of nearby buildings. Because badgers and their setts are legally protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, any remedial work required a thorough ecological assessment, ongoing monitoring, and the appropriate licence from Natural England. The main challenge was to restore safety to the property while ensuring the badgers were treated humanely and legally excluded. Ecologist Chloe Newbery led the project, conducting the initial ecological assessment and preparing the necessary licence documentation for submission to Natural England.
The Solution
EMEC carried out an initial ecological survey to assess the extent of badger activity beneath the garden. Motion-sensitive cameras and field signs were used to confirm the sett’s status and level of occupation. Once sufficient evidence was gathered, EMEC Ecology prepared and submitted a detailed licence application to Natural England, requesting permission to close the sett.
Following approval, Dave Sutton and the EMEC Land Management team undertook the licensed closure works, which involved the safe and humane exclusion of the badgers from the area.
Collaboration was key to success, with both the homeowner and the Innovation Group providing valuable cooperation and support throughout the project.
The Outcome
The badgers were successfully and safely excluded from the sett under licence, allowing the homeowner to proceed with essential patio and ground repair works. The garden has since been restored, providing a safe and stable environment once again for the residents to enjoy to enjoy.
This project is a great example of how EMEC’s expertise in ecological compliance, licensing, and land management can help homeowners and insurers resolve complex wildlife-related challenges responsibly and effectively.
