Badger Surveys in Surrey
Do you need a planning-focused badger survey and sett assessment across Surrey?
We can offer badger surveys backed by clear guidance, proportionate methods, and practical support to keep your project moving on schedule.
Fast, Clear, Planning-Ready Support
Fast response
Calls answered in 2 rings, emails replied to within the hour.
Free expert advice
Clear guidance before you commit.
Cost-effective
Working in partnership with clients to ensure planning approval first time
Typical 10-day turnaround
Industry Leading Standard
Expert Team
We stay with you from first call through to submission.
Do You Need a Badger Survey in Surrey?
A badger survey may be required in Surrey if your site includes habitats such as woodland, heathland, farmland, or river corridors, as these areas often support setts and regular foraging activity. Planning officers commonly request surveys to confirm presence and ensure works can proceed lawfully. Early assessment provides certainty and keeps projects on schedule.
A badger survey assesses an area to determine whether badgers are present, and whether they could be affected by development. Ecologists look for setts, foraging signs, and activity patterns, sometimes using motion cameras or tracking methods, to understand their distribution. The findings help ensure that construction or land changes avoid disturbing badgers and comply with planning regulations.
Certain habitats in Surrey may require a badger assessment, including:
• Farmland and strong hedgerow networks around Guildford
• Woodland edges and coppice near Dorking
• Pasture, orchards, and light woodland around Reigate
• Green corridors and urban fringes in Woking
• Wet ground, riverbanks, and drainage features along the Wey Valley
• Parkland and large estates in the Epsom area
Badgers often use these areas even when setts are not visible. Early surveys support compliance and help projects run smoothly.
We support projects across Maidstone, Canterbury, Ashford, Medway, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, and Dover, as well as surrounding areas.
Why Planning Officers in Surrey Request Badger Surveys?
Surrey planning authorities require badger survey evidence where setts or suitable habitat are present to ensure development complies with the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and national planning policy. Without early, proportionate surveys, applications are frequently delayed by validation queries, additional planning conditions, or seasonal restrictions, which can stall site programmes or even necessitate redesign.
Local Case Insight
How Badger Assessments Work
Our specialist ecology team carries out a Badger Survey to identify setts, activity, and potential risk. You receive a clear, LPA-ready report detailing any required mitigation and timing measures, helping your project stay on schedule and compliant.
Key Deliverables for projects inSurrey:
We provide clear, planning ready badger assessments to support smooth progress through the planning process. A typical assessment will:
• Review how proposed works could influence badger activity
• Record any setts and document patterns of use
• Identify sett status using recognised survey criteria
• Recommend proportionate mitigation
• Provide site guidance for contractors
• Clarify when a licence may be required
These reports are widely accepted by planning authorities in Surrey and help projects move forward with confidence.
Step 1
Schedule
Send your site details and programme. We confirm the correct level of survey.
Step 2
Fieldwork
Walkovers, sett assess-ments, camera deployment and activity checks.
Step 3
Reporting
Planning-ready reports with impact assessment, mitigation options and timelines for site teams.
Step 4
Integration with other Surveys
Only if needed. PEA, EIA, and Protected Species surveys
Next Steps
Need a badger survey in Surrey? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.
FAQ - Badger Surveys in Surrey
Are badger setts protected in Surrey?
Yes. All badger setts in Surrey are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. It is an offence to block, disturb, damage, or destroy a sett, even if it appears inactive.
For planning checks and guidance:
- Surrey County Council — https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/land-planning-and-development/planning
- Guildford Borough Council — https://www.guildford.gov.uk
- Surrey Heath Borough Council — https://www.surreyheath.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control
- Mole Valley District Council — https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/planning-building/search-planning-application/
How can I tell if a badger sett is active?
Active setts often show signs such as fresh digging, smooth entrances, bedding material outside the holes, paths leading to and from the sett, and latrine pits. An ecologist is required to confirm activity and sett status for planning.
What happens if a badger sett is found on my site?
If a sett is present, an ecologist will advise on buffers, timing of works, sensitive construction practice, or whether a licence is needed. Most projects can still proceed with suitable mitigation and planning agreement.
Do I need a survey if there is no visible sett?
Yes in some cases. Badgers may still use the surrounding area for foraging or commuting, especially in woodland, farmland, and river corridors common across Surrey. A survey confirms whether any constraints need to be managed during development.
