As a member of a local badger group, I am deeply saddened and alarmed by the number of badgers we lose each year. Half of our badger population has been lost in the last decade due to culling and road accidents. The A61 Sheffield Bypass is particularly deadly; it's not unusual to see up to seven slaughtered badgers along just a five-mile stretch from Chesterfield to Sheffield. This road, which slices through the woods where these creatures live, has become a death trap for them.

Badgers are an integral part of our ecosystem  , they contribute to soil aeration through their digging habits, and play an important role in seed dispersal which aids forest regeneration (source: The Wildlife Trusts). Their loss is not just tragic; it also disrupts the balance of nature.

We call on local authorities to implement protective measures for these innocent animals. We demand that fencing be installed along the A61 Sheffield Bypass where it cuts through woodland areas inhabited by badgers. Additionally, proper warning signs should be put up to alert drivers about their presence.

By signing this petition, you are standing up for our local wildlife and helping us ensure that future generations will still have badgers as part of their natural heritage in Derbyshire. Please sign now!