Please help Harriet receive the care she needs and support a specialist educational and conservation proposal that could give her a secure future.

Who is Harriet?

Harriet is a young badger who was found unwell and extremely young and came into the care of GW Ecology Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation in the Scottish Borders.

Graeme, a Principal Ecologist with extensive experience of badgers and protected species, has cared for Harriet throughout her time at the rescue.

When Harriet arrived, she was already drinking milk from a bottle and appeared familiar with the process before Graeme had shown her what to do. This raises questions about whether she had previously been handled or hand-reared by an unknown person. Unfortunately, her early history remains uncertain.

Why Harriet’s future is uncertain

When Harriet was well enough, Graeme made multiple attempts to release her at two different sett locations. According to the observations made during these attempts, Harriet became extremely distressed and appeared determined to return to Graeme and the environment she recognised. She also appeared uncomfortable around other badgers.

The reasons for her behaviour are not fully understood. Her circumstances raise important questions about whether release or relocation would be appropriate and what arrangement would best meet her individual welfare needs.

NatureScot has refused an application for an educational licence and indicated that Harriet should be rehomed. We want to ensure that every realistic, lawful option is carefully considered before a decision is made about her future.

Why we are supporting Graeme’s proposal

Graeme has specialist experience of badgers and protected species. We believe his expertise and familiarity with Harriet should form part of a thorough assessment of her needs.

An educational licence could potentially allow Harriet to remain in a carefully managed environment at GW Ecology Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, subject to NatureScot’s decision and all necessary permissions.

The proposal could include a purpose-designed artificial sett, an appropriate conservation area, veterinary oversight, enrichment, secure accommodation and carefully managed educational resources to help people understand badgers and wildlife conservation.

This would need to be supported by a detailed welfare plan and professional evidence. Our aim is to help make that proposal possible and give it fair consideration.

How your donations will help Harriet

We are raising funds to support:

We will be transparent about how the money is used and provide updates as the situation develops. The proposed facilities and educational arrangement remain subject to the necessary approvals.

Why I am asking for your help

Having worked extensively with protected species throughout my career as a Senior Ecologist, the story of Harriet the badger resonates deeply with me.

I have never met Harriet, but I understand how important careful, evidence-based decisions are when dealing with protected wildlife and individual animal welfare.

I believe Harriet’s circumstances deserve to be considered fully, and that Graeme should have the opportunity to put forward a professional proposal that addresses her needs and meets the relevant legal requirements.

This fundraiser is intended to help turn that proposal into something practical while ensuring that Harriet’s care and the valuable work of wildlife rescue remain supported, whatever the licensing outcome.

Please help us give Harriet a chance

Every donation, no matter the size, can help support Harriet’s care, the development of a suitable proposal and the ongoing work of wildlife rescue and conservation.

If you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser can help us reach people who care about badgers, wildlife welfare and protecting Scotland’s natural heritage.

Together, we can help ensure that Harriet’s future is approached with compassion, professional care and careful consideration of every realistic option.

Thank you for supporting Harriet and GW Ecology Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation.

IF you cannot support financially (and if you can), please find Harriet's petition, the more signatures the better.

With many thanks,

Christine Judd

Senior Ecologist