Badgers at Stonards Hill: Why Epping Must Act Now to Protect a Legally Protected Species

For years, the green fields south of Stonards Hill have been valued by residents as one of Epping’s most peaceful natural spaces. Now, compelling new evidence suggests that this land is far more than a pleasant landscape: it is home to a significant population of badgers, one of Britain’s most strictly protected native mammals.

The Epping Society has been contacted repeatedly by residents living around Theydon Grove, Wedgwood Close, and the Stonards Hill area who have reported frequent sightings of badgers—sometimes two or three at a time—moving through gardens, slipping through gaps in fences, and foraging at night. Several residents have provided photographs, and one has shared a clear video showing multiple badgers moving along the boundary of their property.

These accounts prompted the Society to seek further expert insight. In May 2026, a highly experienced representative from a respected local Wildlife Rescue organisation visited the area and confirmed what many residents had long suspected: there is “definite evidence” of active badger setts on the land.

According to this expert, the most significant activity is centred around the bank that surrounds the fishing lake. Here, he identified at least five large, classic D‑shaped sett entrances, with fresh spoil heaps and claw‑cleaned branches—strong indicators of ongoing use. He advised that the bank is likely “honeycombed” with interconnected tunnels and estimated that 15–20 adult badgers may be living within this network.

Two additional areas near the stream bed also show signs of active setts, with smaller but still convincing entrances and fresh spoil. Several well‑worn paths across the site appear to be established foraging routes, leading towards what residents describe as a regular “feeding station”.

Further supporting evidence comes from Stonards Hill itself, where the Wildlife Rescue representative recalled recent call‑outs to remove dead badgers from the roadside—often a sign of nearby sett activity. A local resident even sought help after finding a dead badger near the Recreation Ground.

Across the road in Old Pastures, while the main field shows no signs of activity, the woodland strip by the railway line contains three holes of the correct size and shape to be “probable” setts, according to those familiar with badger ecology.

All of this matters enormously. Under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, it is a criminal offence to kill, injure, or disturb a badger, or to damage, obstruct, or destroy a badger sett. This protection is absolute. It applies regardless of land ownership, and regardless of whether a sett is currently occupied if it is capable of being used, it is protected.

Given the weight of evidence from residents, wildlife professionals, and local observers, The Epping Society believes it is essential that no development or groundworks proceed on this land without a full, independent ecological survey conducted at the correct time of year by licensed specialists. Anything less risks breaching national wildlife law and causing irreversible harm to a protected species.

Epping’s green spaces are precious, not only for people but for the wildlife that depends on them. The presence of a thriving badger population is not an obstacle to progress—it is a reminder of the responsibility we all share to safeguard the natural heritage that makes our town unique.

The Epping Society calls on planners, councillors, and developers to recognise the seriousness of this evidence and to ensure that the legal protections for badgers are fully upheld. Our community has spoken clearly. The wildlife experts have spoken clearly. Now, the law must be respected just as clearly.

Epping’s badgers cannot speak for themselves. It falls to us to ensure their safety, their habitat, and their future.

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