Are badgers to blame for cemetery damage?

PROTECTED SPECIES APPEARS TO HAVE SET UP HOME NEAR GRAVES

- By LAUREN MONAGHAN

GRAVES at Beeston Cemetery are at risk of damage after suspected badger setts were found on the site.

Last Thursday, families involved in discussions with Broxtowe Borough Council about tributes being left at the cemetery were part of a group that walked around the site with council officials to discuss maintenance and grounds issues.

The Post also attended and a number of holes which appeared to have been made by an animal were pointed out to officials.

One of the holes went underneath a memorial box near some graves, leaving the corner of the stone box exposed.

Other holes could be seen under an older, sunken grave and a sizeable hole was found on the side of the site. It has not officially been confirmed which type of animal is responsible, but anecdotal accounts of badger sightings point towards the mammal.

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust told the Post that the tunnels appear to have been made by badgers.

The RSPCA has also confirmed that a sick badger at the cemetery was reported to it in May.