Badger Behaviour, Conservation & Rehabilitation

I ordered this book because of my interest and passion for badgers and wasn't sure what to expect. On opening the package the cover of the book made me smile. There, looking back at me, was a dewy eyed, wet nosed badger face and thoughtfully designed with the black background and white writing staying in line with the badger's trademarks. The introduction outlined the author as a farmer's boy who grew up to realise wildlife played an important part in the countryside and embarked on a mission to learn, understand and conserve it. This dedicated man has written and produced a detailed book which covers his personal journey alongside badgers and their behaviour, legislation, authority, developers and conservation.

I found the book full of examples of his experience, easy to read, interesting and enjoyable to the point it made me chuckle or gasp and even at some points thinking-"Och ... this can't be true"! In support of his written work there is a lovely selection of photos in chapter six justifying everything he had experienced. I especially loved the story Marooned: a bundle of badgers and the photo of 9 badgers huddled together up a tree is brilliant (photo gallery pages 90-91).

The book is structured well with the author putting across his thoughts and findings up for discussion. These include Bovine TB and modern farming techniques amongst other issues and the question, "Is it the badger that is the problem or is it the development?" I know what I think.

A must read for anyone who has an interest in badgers.

Pearce reveals a remarkable depth of knowledge about these mammals. As well as discussing badger ecology, he offers advice on many topics not covered by other authors, such as how to conduct surveys and build artificial setts. His down-to-earth manner owes more to the style of the ecological pioneer John Seymour than to the 'father' of badger biology, Ernest Neal.