We do not consider baadgers or foxes to be pests, although we do admit that they may be a nuisance if they enter your garden, however they are a vital aspect to our environment.

Below you will find more details about badgers and foxes and organisations who can help with your problem.

Foxes and badgers are naturally shy creatures who will do their utmost to avoid confrontations with man. The press sometimes demonises foxes for attacks that are later proven to be dog attacks. Foxes have bitten people but this is extremely rare and the risks are negligible compared with the risks of being attacked by a domestic dog or cat. Foxes will rarely attack dogs or cats, preferring to flee than risk injury due to their lightweight frames, badgers can however inflict nasty wounds on cats and dogs when cornered or feeling threatened.

The best advice is to learn to co-exist with foxes and badgers, to delight in their visits to your garden and to watch their cubs grow and flourish. However, if you are concerned and would rather deter foxes from your premises then these simple steps will help you to do just that:

• Reduce available food - make sure bin lids are secure or, if refuse bags are used, only put them out just before collection. Do not overfeed birds in the garden.
• Replace fish or bone fertilisers with plant based ones.
• Use noise - such as a radio left on in a shed - to disturb their routines and deter a vixen and her cubs.
• Use propietary repellents such as "Get off my garden" which are harmless and work well.
• Block fence holes and obstruct well-used pathwayts and favourite 'lying-up' spots.
• If all these simple measures fail call a humane wildlife deterrrence expert.

And remember, secure fencing is vital to protect any small pets such as rabbits, chickens or guinea pigs. Badger and fox proof cages need to have mesh-welded wire (not chicken wire), solid floors and secure locks.

If you have a persistent and difficult problem, there are other more sophisticated fox and bager deterrents available through humane deterrent companie, which must be fitted by a professional.

If you need further help contact:

For foxes: www.foxproject.org.uk or Dr John Bryant at www.jbryant.co.uk or call 01732 357355.