SPRING may be in the air but Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT) and Herts & Middlesex Badger Group (HMBG) can report an increase in badger digging now that the evenings are getting lighter.

In the last two weeks there have been reports at Chorleywood Dell Nature Reserve near Rickmansworth and in the Hertford area of illegal digging of badger setts.

Although police have been informed, both groups fear that a wave of cruelty to one of the largest indigenous mammals has started up.

Despite their popularity and legislation to protect them, badgers are still in danger from digging and baiting by a minority of criminals who torment and kill them for "sport".

In 1985 badger persecution was so serious that conservationists from all over the UK set up badger protection patrols.

The National Federation of Badger groups (NFBG) now consists of 80 groups including HMBG.

However, 10,000 badgers are killed every year through digging and baiting.

Badger diggers often send trained terrier dogs to attack the badgers in their underground setts (burrows).

Then they dig through the tunnel roof to expose the fight ending when the badger is killed.

The badger is usually buried in the sett sometimes with a dog fatally injured in the fight.

Alternatively, the animal is captured and removed from its sett.

Then it is brutally injured to reduce its chances of harming its "opponent" and is forced to defend itself against a group of terriers.

Ms Audrey Randall, chairman of the HMBG, advised people to call police if they suspect badger digging is taking place so that they could collect evidence to identify the perpetrators.

She said: "Without such fresh and undisturbed evidence, this barbaric practice, and the systematic torture of one of our best-loved animals will continue unchecked.

"This practice is also extremely cruel to the baiters' dogs too both adversaries are forced to fight one another, usually to the death, so genuine dog lovers ought to be equally outraged."

HMBG warns people not to intervene or approach the diggers for their own safety.

Ms Judy Adams, chief executive of HMWT, said: "We need people who appreciate nature to keep their eyes open at all times, so that we can at least try to make it as difficult as possible for people to harm wildlife.

"Anyone with a genuine and innocent interest in badgers and their setts will understand why it is necessary to act quickly and not give baiters the benefit of the doubt. "

HMWT has launched an appeal to raise £20,000 to buy an area of land near Hopkins Wood in Tewin to try to ensure the safety of the neighbouring badgers and provide them with a secure place to forage for food.

For more information call the HMWT in St Albans on 01727 858901.