Badger spotting

TAKE A WALK AS THE SKY DARKENS AND DUSK TAKES HOLD and see if you can see Britain’s largest wild land-dwelling carnivore, the reclusive badger (Meles meles). Being careful to avoid startling any nocturnal creatures as you go, choose a spot near a woodland clearing to keep a quiet vigil. If you’re patient, you might be lucky enough to catch sight of a family of badgers. Though shy of people, they love to socialise and are full of character. Parents groom their cubs and cousins frolic among fallen logs while older badgers clean out their sett – an underground home whose grand design reveals a talent for earth-moving engineering and showcases their power and strength. For a good chance of seeing this distinctive mammal, head to hides at Tewin Orchard in Hertfordshire, Rutland Water in Leicestershire and Falls Clyde in Scotland. Find out more at wildlifetrusts.org/ lovewildlife.