1. Choose a Location:
Choose a quiet and secluded spot in your garden with adequate space to accommodate a sett. Ensure that the area is not prone to flooding or waterlogging, and that it's away from major disturbances.
2. Digging:
Begin by digging a shallow trench about 1 meter (3 feet) wide and 2 meters (6 feet) long, with a depth of approximately 0.5 meters (1.5 feet). The shape should resemble an elongated oval or a kidney shape.
3. Constructing the House:
Use rocks, bricks, or concrete blocks to create a chamber at one end of the trench. The chamber should have an entrance hole about 20-25 centimeters (8-10 inches) in diameter, and it should be at least 1 meter (3 feet) wide and 0.5 meters (1.5 feet) high.
4. Tunnel:
Create a sloping tunnel from the entrance hole that extends into the embankment to provide a secure access route for the badgers. The tunnel should be about 0.5 meters (1.5 feet) wide and high.
5. Camouflage and Insulation:
Cover the structure with soil and grass to blend it into the surrounding environment. Add dry leaves or straw inside the chamber for insulation and comfort for the badgers.
6. Finishing Touches:
Ensure the entrance hole is slightly above ground level to prevent water from entering. You can also place thorny branches or dense shrubs around the entrance for additional protection from predators.
Remember, badgers are protected species in some regions, and disturbing or harming them can have legal consequences. Before building a sett, make sure you comply with local wildlife conservation regulations. Additionally, constructing the sett following the natural behaviors and preferences of badgers can increase the likelihood of actual badgers using the structure.