Many generations of badgers have lived in these setts. One study found a well-established sett in the Cotswolds with twelve entrances had tunnels totalling 310 metres. It was estimated that the badgers had excavated 25 tonnes of soil throughout the years to create this complex. Tunnels can be four metres deep, though most are less than one metre underground and often follow surface contours. This helps with air circulation, while ventilation holes sometimes connect a tunnel to the surface.
Badgers like to dig their setts where the ground is easy to dig.
Sandy soil is a favourite, because it is easy to dig, and it stays drier than other soils. Chalk and limestone is also popular. Badgers do not like digging into clay, as this is wet and sticky. Even so, badgers will sometimes make setts in clay, if they can't find anywhere else. Badgers also like to dig where there is a good slope, such as on the side of a hill, or in a bank.