Since the beginning of this year’s badger watches at the Falls of Clyde, I’ve had the utmost pleasure of leading three badger watches. As an assistant ranger intern, it was such a treat to be given the chance to see these charismatic animals in the wild.

The first badger watch led a university group, eager students to view a different side of nature. Not one, not two but three badger groups gave into view for them! They clearly displayed snuffling behaviour, most likely for their favourite food; worms. On a luxury badger safari, where the visitors were wrapped up warm in blankets, the badgers came even closer than before.  After poking its nose out of the sett, followed by self-grooming with its front claws, a young badger walked directly towards us. And it kept on coming! It came a mere 2 metres from us before scampering back to the sett. This happened three times but it never became less exciting. As if this wasn’t enough, simply listening to the sounds of the forest was a treat. The array of bird song was wonderful, the bees were too, and even the cows in the field played their part! A family badger watch also took place, with a badger trail leading to the sett to learn more about the animals. As we silently sat and waited, three young badgers came out for the evening. Their charisma shone as they played with one another and repeatedly tumbled over. Later on, it was an adult badger’s turn to have fun as it groomed and scratched a tree. These have been unforgettable experiences for both me and the visitors; I implore you to book onto a badger watch at the Falls of Clyde to observe their life in the woodland. They run every Thursday and Saturday until August, have a look on www.thefallsofclyde.eventbrite.com for the various badger watch types.

Lori Moore – Assistant Ranger, Scottish Wildlife Trust

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