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Path repaired after burrowing badger collapse

LDNPA Path which has several large holes after badgers dug tunnels underneath. There is a ranger working to repair the path and a large black pipe sits to the side. LDNPA
The mammals had dug a sett under the path between the Mortal Man Inn and the village church in Troutbeck

A footpath has been repaired after badgers dug tunnels underneath, causing a section of it to collapse.

The mammals had dug a sett under the path between the Mortal Man Inn and the village church in Troutbeck, Cumbria, Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) said.

Badgers are a protected species and LDNPA was granted a licence from Natural England to dig the track up and disturb the setts.

Rangers installed pipes and dug sections by hand to give the badgers "safe passage to their underground chambers" and to prevent future collapses.

LDNPA A black pipe, which has been used as a method for the badgers to travel in, is placed just under the footpathLDNPA
The pipes, which allow the badgers to travel through, are placed just under the footpath

Because humans can pass on Covid to badgers, rangers working on the project took tests before starting the repairs, the organisation said.

Work on badger setts must be completed between July and the end of November so repairs do not interfere with their mating season, LDNPA said.

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