Badger
Meles meles
UK Green ListModerate📍 Lake District
Season
Year-round. Most active at dusk and dawn.
Best time of day
Dusk. Or late evening.
Lake District
Common in Lakeland woodland. Setts in banks. Dusk is the time. Keep your distance. Don't use lights.
UK population
Around 250,000 social groups. Widespread.
Overview
Badgers are everywhere in the Lakes. Woodland edge. Setts in banks. Dusk. They're shy. Don't disturb the sett. Watch from a distance. No lights. Let your eyes adjust.
At a Glance
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Mustelidae |
| Habitat | Woodland · Woodland edge · Pasture |
| Diet | Earthworms, insects, small mammals, plants |
| UK population | Around 250,000 social groups. Widespread. |
| Lake District | Common in Lakeland woodland. Setts in banks. Dusk is the time. Keep your distance. Don't use lights. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Woodland edge throughout the Lakes. Setts in banks. Don't disturb. Watch from a distance.
Identification
Grey, black and white striped face. Stocky. Low to the ground. Unmistakeable.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Dusk. Woodland edge. Find a sett first in daylight. Don't approach. Watch from distance. No lights.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.