Badger burrows force closure of rural road at risk of collapse

A countryside road in south-west Scotland has been shut on safety grounds after being left at risk of collapse by burrowing badgers.

The animals, which live in a network of tunnels and chambers known as setts, have undermined a minor route near Crocketford.

Dumfries and Galloway Council has shut the carriageway.

Badger setts are legally protected and it is a criminal offence to interfere with one without a licence.

Although likely to cause only limited disruption given the rural location, the road closure is currently expected to remain in place until mid-June.

The local authority confirmed that the integrity of the road surface had been compromised by an underlying badger sett.

A spokesperson said the council had met with the appropriate bodies to assess the situation.

They added: "We await the outcome of an ecology report and the issue of a licence from Nature Scot to allow a timely approach to reopen the road."

Badgers - with their distinct black and white striped face - are nocturnal and known for being prolific and powerful diggers with strong, short limbs and long claws.

However, their tunnel systems can sometimes cause problems which are costly to rectify.

In 2024, Lincolnshire County Council reported that a badger sett had caused damage which would cost £100,000 to repair to the A52 in Mablethorpe.