An analysis of some of the factors affecting the current distribution of Badger Meles meles setts in Essex

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Abstract
All the known Badger setts in Essex were resurveyed in the mid‐1980s to record any changes in Badger distribution and status, and any associated changes in habitat and land use, during the preceding 20 years. New setts were also located. Being on the edge of London, Essex has undergone many recent changes that might be disadvantageous to Badgers. It is subjected to a high demand for land to meet increasing housing needs, intensive arable farming is widespread and few undisturbed habitats remain. These are typical of the pressures facing the Badger population in many areas of north‐west Europe, and so Essex was an ideal area in which to look at the status of the Badger, and in particular the impact of human activities on a Badger population. Much of the county is unsuitable for sett construction, since it consists of London Clay and glacial tills, and the highest concentration of setts was found in the Bagshot Beds. Woodland is rare in Essex, but it was still the favoured site for sett construction. Although over half the county is devoted to arable farming, Badgers tended to avoid such areas, and also avoided close proximity to roads, particularly busy roads, for sett sites. Since much of the county is low‐lying, man‐made embankments were particularly important sett sites, and land‐reclamation activities have probably provided additional sites for Badger setts. The effects of human activities on Badger distribution and numbers in Essex are discussed.