We support projects across Winchester, Basingstoke, Andover, Farnham, Alton, Petersfield, the New Forest, the South Downs, and surrounding areas in Hampshire.
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Hampshire supports a wide range of habitats, from woodland edges and hedgerows to grasslands, farmland, and urban green spaces, all of which are commonly used by protected badger populations.
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.
You may need a badger survey if your development involves:Â
We support projects across Winchester, Basingstoke, Andover, Farnham, Alton, Petersfield, the New Forest, the South Downs, and surrounding areas in Hampshire.
Hampshire 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 often delayed by validation queries, additional planning conditions, or seasonal restrictions, which can disrupt site programmes and may even require redesign.
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.
We provide clear, planner-ready evidence and practical steps your team can act on, including:
Evidence Hampshire planners rely on. Steps your project team can deliver.
Send your site details and programme. We confirm the correct level of survey.
Walkovers, sett assess-ments, camera deployment and activity checks.
Planning-ready reports with impact assessment, mitigation options and timelines for site teams.
Only if needed. PEA, EIA, and Protected Species surveysÂ
Need a badger survey in Hampshire? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.Â
Badger surveys may be required where proposed works could affect badgers, their setts, foraging habitat or movement routes. In Hampshire, this is often relevant for sites near woodland, hedgerows, pasture, river corridors, rural lanes, railway embankments, large gardens and urban fringe land.
A planning authority may request a badger survey where a site contains suitable habitat or where local ecological records suggest badgers could be present nearby. The survey provides evidence that protected species have been considered before planning permission is granted.
An ecologist will look for sett entrances, spoil heaps, bedding material, footprints, hair, latrines, feeding signs, scratching posts and well used paths. These signs help establish whether badgers are using the site and whether the proposed works could cause disturbance, obstruction or damage.
Rural housing schemes, barn conversions, equestrian developments and farm buildings may need badger surveys where suitable habitat is present. Badgers often use hedgerows, banks, woodland edges and field margins, so early ecological assessment can help reduce planning risk.
Development can often proceed if a badger sett is found, but the impacts must be properly assessed and managed. Depending on the sett location and activity level, mitigation may include protective buffers, revised layouts, timing controls, exclusion fencing, a method statement or licensed works.
Coastal edge, heathland fringe and rural edge sites may require badger surveys where scrub, banks, hedgerows, woodland links or suitable foraging habitat are present. These features can support badger movement and sett creation, particularly where sites connect to wider countryside.
Badger surveys can usually be completed throughout the year, although signs are often easier to see when vegetation is lower. If dense vegetation or restricted access affects visibility, further checks may be recommended before planning or construction progresses.
Badger survey requirements depend on the site, habitat and proposed works. Authorities such as Hampshire County Council, Winchester City Council, East Hampshire District Council, Test Valley Borough Council, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, New Forest District Council and Fareham Borough Council may request badger survey information where protected species could be affected. Hampshire County Council Planning: https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/planning
A badger survey provides clear evidence that protected species legislation has been considered. The report identifies ecological constraints, assesses potential impacts and recommends mitigation, helping planning officers understand how the development can proceed lawfully and responsibly.
A Hampshire badger survey report usually includes survey methods, site context, habitat features, evidence of badger activity, photographs, plans, impact assessment and recommendations. Where required, it may also include mitigation measures, working methods or advice on further survey requirements.
