Working in partnership with English Heritage, Absolute Archaeology and Haresfield Farms estates During August 2013, WildlifeCo successfully resolved the badger sett problem affecting this scheduled ancient monument in Haresfield, Gloucestershire. The Haresfield Mount moated site is designated by the Secretary of State and English heritage to be a site of national importance.
Buried deposits on the ‘island’ are likely to include the remains of medieval structures, and are likely to contain archaeological information relating to the construction and preceding occupation and use of the moated site. Around 6,000 moated sites are known in England. They consist of wide ditches, often or seasonally water-filled, partly or completely enclosing one or more islands of dry ground on which stood domestic or religious buildings.
“Within the moat, waterlogged deposits will have preserved archaeological remains relating to the occupation and use of the site, along with organic material which will provide information about the economy of the site and the local environment during the medieval period. The moated site lies close to the village church of St Peter’s and the large number of footpaths converging on this area suggests the importance of the monument in the medieval period” English Heritage
Our efforts resulted in the badgers being successfully relocated back to their original sett 1,000 meters away and the monument site restored to the original moated site, preserving ‘The Mount’ for future generations to enjoy.
How our finished work was received by locals and the land owner
“WildlifeCo was contracted to exclude badgers from this important moated site during 2013.This was a joint project carried out under the auspices of English Heritage, Natural England, Gloucestershire County Council Archaeology and the landowner.
There were three other contractors whose work needed to be well co-ordinated with WildlifeCo’s exclusion activities to prevent re-population of an extensive sett, there having been badgers on the site for at least 40 years. Considerable excavation by these animals of the moat banks meant that the monument was on English Heritages ‘At Risk’ Register.
WildlifeCo executed their task with confidence and efficiency. Their methodology included intensive 24hr monitoring of the site once the one-way trapdoors were closed to deter re-entry and an alternative site was baited to encourage the population to move. These measures were 100% successful. The inner moat bank was then progressively re-profiled with WildlifeCo laying down netting in conjunction with the other contractors. We recommend this firm to others facing similar problems with burrowing animals”.
Mark Heywood, Haresfield Farms
“The mount is situated in the older part of Haresfield, surrounded by listed properties and the moated banks had over many years become overgrown and badly damaged by badgers….The Parish Council are delighted with and fully appreciate the extensive works that have been carried out to restore the moat…for the greater benefit of the community and visitors…The Mount is once again a real asset to our village being much more visually attractive, creating a reconnection with the church and adjoining churchyard, enhancing both in their setting and which play an important part in village life”
Humphrey Cook dipl. Arch. RIBA, Chairman of the Parish Council