Federation Northern Badger Groups

In the Summer of 2008 Jane Payne of the North Riding Badger Group decided to organise a meeting of the Northern Badger Groups, mainly because she felt that the centre of activity was in the South of the Country and perhaps the opinions of the Northern members were not given quite the same consideration by The Badger Trust (The National Organisation that used to be known as the NFBG.)

This was intended to be a forum for all the Northern Groups to get together and discuss issues of concern and also ways of co-operating with each other in whatever matters they could.

The first meeting was held at York and was well attended by members and also included several interesting speakers from various Wildlife Protection Organisations including the RSPCA. Jean Thorpe of the Ryedale Badger Group gave a riveting talk and slide show about her work with injured animals and the general problem of trying to stop illegal persecution. Altogether it was a very informative day which gave us all food for thought.

In 2009 Mervyn Anthony of the Northumberland Group took over the Organisation of the meetings and another very interesting meeting was held at Middlesbrough in January. Again there was a variety of speakers on Wildlife related topics including the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) who are responsible for collecting all reports of Wildlife Crime from Police forces and other bodies. This is to build up a picture of what is occurring nationally and also to try to prevent crime. The speaker made the point that Wildlife Crime should not be seen as separate from any other type of crime as people such as Badger diggers were often heavily involved in other criminal activities.

A follow up meeting was again held in Middlesbrough in June of 2009. In addition to more speakers, the Group members were given the opportunity to give a short talk about their area and the difficulties they were having (and also success stories). It soon became evident that nearly every Group in the North (and probably the Country) is having difficulties in recruiting active volunteers who can actually make a difference to things in their 'Neck of the woods'. It invariably falls to the same small bunch of people to respond in the best way they can when needed.

Further meetings will be held to keep the momentum going but we have already established beyond doubt that co-operation between Groups with an interest in defending Britain's Wildlife is essential.

It is very important to remember that there are no rival Badger Groups, the only rivalry should be between those who want to destroy our precious Wildlife and those who are determined to protect it. We must all co-operate with each other in whatever ways we can to ensure Badgers and other animals are given the best possible help we can give them. Please consider very carefully how YOU can be of help to them and us.

Many Thanks-EYBPG.