The Badger is one of Britons largest and possibly best loved mammals. With their distinctive black and white striped faces and shy, gentle nature, they certainly hold appeal for most people - yet few will have been lucky enough to have actually seen a badger in its natural surroundings.
One of the reasons for this is that centuries of maltreatment have caused the Badger to become a secretive, nocturnal creature that normally tries to avoid man. By nature, they are extremely clean and intelligent animals which live together in well ordered social groups, each with its own distinct territory. Their underground homes, or setts, are an amazing labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, often covering a large area.
Badgers have been present in Britain for thousands of years their bones have been found alongside those of cave bear and elk. They have survived while animals such as wild boar, wolves and bears have become extinct. Yet , today, the species faces many pressures, from habitat destruction to illegal persecution.
In South Derbyshire, as in many other areas the Badger is under threat.
Badgers are omnivorous and eat almost anything. Their diet ranges from earthworms, mice, voles,
