Skip to content

Kent wildlife charity sees influx of badgers

Phil Harrison
BBC News, South East•@philharrison77
Reporting fromTunbridge Wells
Folly Wildlife Rescue Four young badgers snuggled up sleeping next to each other at Folly Wildlife Rescue in Tunbridge WellsFolly Wildlife Rescue
Folly Wildlife Rescue has taken in 13 badgers in recent weeks due to warm weather making the ground harder to dig

A Kent wildlife rescue centre says it has seen an increase in the number of badgers being brought in this summer.

Folly Wildlife Rescue on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells has taken in 13 badger cubs in recent weeks due to the warm weather and an increase in traffic.

"Young badgers rarely leave the sett in their first four months," says wildlife hospital manager, Hannah Hall.

"There's a lot more coming to us because they're struggling to dig in the ground, which is very hard due to the lack of rain, and there is an increase of road traffic accidents."

Hannah Hall, Wildlife Hospital Manager at Folly Wildlife Rescue, next to a badger enclosure
Hannah Hall, Wildlife Hospital Manager at Folly Wildlife Rescue, says young badgers are rarely seen outside their sett

The centre says it initially struggled to cope with caring for the high number of badgers but support has helped provide for their needs.

"We've been inundated with treats for the badgers, things like dog biscuits, dog food and some toys as well just to keep them occupied," Ms Hall said.

Badger cub help by staff member in enclosure area at Folly Wildlife Rescue
Hannah Hall says the badgers have benefited from the donations of dog food and toys

Folly Wildlife Rescue was in danger of closing last year as costs rose and legacy payments slowed down, but an emergency donation campaign secured its future.

Founded by Dave and Annette Risley 30 years ago in their home in Eridge Green, Folly Wildlife Rescue treats the likes of birds, badgers and hedgehogs.

It moved to its present custom-built facilities in 2012 where it receives about 3,500 creatures each year.

The centre is able to care for injured animals and young ones that have lost their mothers but says that the public can help too.

"It's just being mindful when you're driving for any wildlife and with the hot weather, if you could put some water out, it will help your local wildlife," explains Ms Hall.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.

Folly Wildlife Rescue