Welcome

 

Founded in 1981 by a small group of people, Durham County Badger Group (DCBG) exists to protect and study the badger in its natural environment with the purposes of ensuring its long term safety and educating the public.

The members are volunteers from all walks of life, in all parts of our area, who support the aims of DCBG. The group is financially independent supported by a variety of fundraising activities. The organisation has a constitution and at the AGM in November, five Officers are appointed (Chairman, Deputy Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Records Officer). There are a number of other officer posts to cover specific tasks such as fundraising or projects etc. DCBG also works in partnership with Durham Wildlife Trust (DWT), is a member of the Badger Trust (BT) and is involved in providing information towards the County Biodiversity Action Plan.

DCBG activity roughly covers the geographic area between the rivers South Tyne/Derwent and the Tees across to the Cumbrian border. It includes County Durham, the boroughs of Darlington, Gateshead and South Tyneside and the City of Sunderland. We share information with adjoining groups and where there isn't an adjoining group, we may be able to assist.

What we do

• Records the distribution and status of badgers and their setts and has comprehensive database
• Monitors setts regularly and records details of activity or disturbance
• Assists the Police, RSPCA etc in respect of criminal activity relating to badgers or their setts
• Advises and provides information to planners and developers
• Strengthens and restores setts etc to protect badgers from disturbance
• Lobbys MPs and other decision makers to improve their understanding of issues relating to badgers and their setts
• Escorts small groups to visit our Hide with an opportunity to watch badgers emerging from a sett
• Attends country fairs and similar events to promote badgers and the activities of DCBG
• Delivers talks to a variety of groups (e.g. Cubs, Police, WI)
• Meets every other month to share information and discuss activities.
• Invites speakers to educate/train members on a range of topics
• Provides articles for DWT magazine and maintains a website
• Surveys 'new' areas for badger activity
• Responds to press/TV questions or articles
• Maintains handling equipment to be used in case of an injury related emergency
• Participates in projects, e.g. County Biodiversity Action Partnership, Northern Badger Groups Forum
• Attends conferences and meetings to develop knowledge and skills