Deep in the New Forest, securely protected, lies the only site on earth where wild badgers can be watched after they emerge from their natural set both above and below ground. The badgers have tunnelled underground to connect the hide and viewing sets to their own labyrinth. An area of ancient woodland forms the mystical and silent stage upon which is enacted, every evening for eight months of the year, a unique natural pageant featuring these most elusive and attractive animals. They forage mere feet away, before they depart into the dusk for other areas of their closely-guarded territory. The New Forest Badger Watch is a remarkable project which, since 1991, has drawn visitors from all over the world, providing guaranteed close sightings of an animal seldom seen alive and never with such clarity by so many.
Places are limited and it is advised to book at least a month ahead.
Visits last about one hour and take place every evening from 1 March to 31 October. Visitor Notes Cordless headphones are issued which give an instructive commentary. In the nearby weatherproof hide seats are provided which give a ground-level view. It is likely that badgers will be seen above ground as they emerge from their natural home to forage on the forest floor. Below ground the hide fronts on to glass-walled viewing sets, into which the wild badgers may venture during the evening.