Badger set questions

[Dogghound]

Could it be anything to do with collecting evoporated water? but why

[maccyd82]

Definitely worth a try although its not the best time of year as it gets dark so early and quickly. Also the badgers are becoming less active as the breeding season is starting and with the cold weather they spend more time in the snug and warm!

Could you get hold of a stealth camera so you can see what is about without having to sit shivering in the car, and then return at a better time of year? You could also put it in different places to find thier main routes so youll know the best spots to see them.

Those tripod things are very intriguing, when you described them I was thinking of perhaps some sort of insect trap as part of a survey, but now Ive seen the photos I have no clue!

[Lemars]

Woodman, I'd be SO pleased if your enquiries can come up with some explanation.

Little Mele - I looked at those links and hadn't realised that activity is carried out here. In fact, I'd not realised it's carried out anywhere - it's even stated that it still occurs illegally in the UK !!

Maccyd82 - funnily enough, I looked up stealth cameras yesterday. I'd not really known what they were before and thought it would be a good thing to use. Unfortunately, I'd have to be awfully `stealthy' obtaining one - I've seen the prices !! I think I'm putting one on my wish-list though.

Doghound - water collection seems unlikely in a wine bottle. I thought the plastic must be there (or must have been there to keep the rain off something. What would fit on top of those 7 structures without a table of some sort, though? I'm hoping Woodman will come up with some ideas.

Thanks everyone !

C

[The Woodman]

Lemars

Is there a possibility that these constructions could be plant cloches?

The stakes appear to be cleft sweet chestnut, of a type that are designed to be long lasting. The wine bottle could be used to trickle feed a small water supply when stuck end up into the ground. Maybe to nuture young trees?

I can't see any small plants or trees in your images, perhaps they've died.

Awaiting reply from abroad.

[Burko]

Perhaps some sort of lighting system - plastic sheeting to act as a light diffuser and protect a flame from wind and rain?

Weirdos in the woods - pagans, ravers or neds most likely.

[Lemars]

I must admit Woodman, that would be a plausible explanation if I'd seen something like that anywhere else. I think it's unlikely, but you're right in that those posts might stop the badgers damaging or bumping into a small tree. I'd not thought of that.

There are a lot of young trees in the area - mixed with a lot of very large and older specimens in the surrounding wood. Nowhere else are there structures like these - so there would absolutely have to be an association with the badgers. I did take a bit more notice of the size of the trees in the area because of the `sitting in a tree to observe' idea. There's not one tree big enough for that nearby.

Why would anyone go to all this trouble (and fail - because there's nothing growing under any of them) to plant specifically where the sett is ?

Still a puzzle....................

C
C

[Farplace]

Originally Posted by Burko

Perhaps some sort of lighting system - plastic sheeting to act as a light diffuser and protect a flame from wind and rain?

Weirdos in the woods - pagans, ravers or neds most likely.

What's wrong with pagans???? lol
They wont leave "things" close to a badger sett... (or anywhere else for that matter). Pagans will leave the place as they find it. Although, it's not the right time for pagan rituals anyway. Ravers and Neds I know nothing about.

[The Woodman]

Originally Posted by Burko

Weirdos in the woods - pagans, ravers or neds most likely.

What's a "ned"?

"What's wrong with pagans????" I've often wondered about the residents of Weardale and what they do with their long hours!!!

[Burko]

A ned is just a yobbo. You'd probably find a lot more mess if it was them though.

I've also found plenty of evidence of some kind of rituals in my locale, not exactly left 'as found' either.

[Farplace]

yes wiccans tend to leave "stuff" at ritual sites. Perhaps some other groups as well.