Suspected badger sett. Stumbled across it today. Situated in a wooded park on sloping ground close to an open stretch of grass. Counted at least seven entrances, some with signs of disturbed earth outside. I wouldn’t have expected #badgers here but it’s not impossible, being on the edge of Epping Forest. Anybody familiar with #badger setts able to comment on likelihood of a badger sett based on the pictures? #NaturalWorld
@samueljohnson Thanks for the reply. I feared it might be rabbits over badgers. Not included on original post, but there were a couple of entrances with signs of fresh excavation, so hopeful it’s active. Had dog with me so couldn’t spend much time there but will go back alone and look for latrines and signs of rabbit droppings.
@fletchpj That's much more like it.
@fletchpj May have been occupied in the past but leaves in the entrance not commonly associated with current occupation (except in very bad weather when they may stay underground for an extended period). Should be fairly well worn and fresh paths away from sett. Rabbits tend to leave droppings anywhere, badgers dig latrines, sometimes nearby (as well as at territory boundaries), however they are sometimes commensals. They use B&B setts within territory on occasion after a night out.