WKBG IN 2008 On Saturday 13 September 2008 at 8.00 pm the Autumn talk is by Aimee Taylor of Folly Wildlife The public are welcome to attend. Watch out for details of future shows and talks as they are confirmed. Also check out our new website, www.wkbg.org.uk. Last updated 30/06/2008 January: Female badgers are pregnant. Badger activity is irregular this month. The name badger is probably derived from the French word 'becheur' meaning digger, however an old Kentish name for the badger is 'earthpig'. The badger belongs to the Mustelidae family of carnivores, along with otters and weasels. The male badger is called a boar, the female a sow (so that's why they called it earthpig!), and their young are called cubs. Badgers can be found throughout Europe and in parts of Asia. In Britain they are most common in the South and South West of England. Being shy animals, badgers are rarely seen, they live underground in a sett, and usually only appear after dark. The badger's only threat is from man, who destroys its habitat through development and changes of land use, and more shockingly through badger-baiting - a horrific blood sport. Sadly this activity still takes place in West Kent despite the fact that badgers and their setts are protected by Law.  West Kent Badger Group is a member of the Badger Trust family. Put simply, our role is to protect badgers and to promote their conservation in West Kent. Our group of volunteers is involved in a variety of activities such as: Education - badgers are part of our wildlife heritage, we regularly give talks in schools and to community groups such as the Women's Institute (our talks aren't just for youngsters). We also attend countryside events such as the Kent County Show. Protection - from planning applications, to becoming involved in consultations on schemes for new developments. If it affects badgers, we're there. Rescue - we run a 24h rescue service for sick, injured or distressed badgers. Advice - we help landowners and occupiers with badger problems and liaise with the police and RSPCA over cases of cruelty or other infringements of badger protection legislation. Monitoring - we monitor known badger setts for changes and signs of disturbance. The West Kent Badger Group is run entirely by volunteers and we welcome support from new members. There are lots of ways you can help the Group: By joining the Group - Subscriptions are £10 a year for adults and £5 for children aged 15 or under. Group memberships are available too. Members receive 4 newsletters a year, mailed directly to you at home. By getting actively involved - What are you good at? Chances are your skills are just what we're looking for! Whether it's helping out with badger rescues, surveying a sett, writing an article for our newsletter, or even updating this web page for us, you'll receive a warm welcome from the Group. Please download our membership application form (PDF format). If you do not have acrobat reader installed on your computer, you can download the latest version free of charge. To report an injured or dead badger: Telephone 01474 703948 Membership enquiries: Telephone 01474 703948, write to PO Box 301, Gravesend, Kent DA12 9AB or email To find out more about badger talks: Telephone 01474 703948 or email General enquiries: PO Box 301, Gravesend, Kent DA12 9AB or email West Kent Badger Group is a member of the Badger Trust |
