AN animal protection group has put out an appeal for more volunteers after badger cubs were almost crushed by a digger.

The North East Essex Badger Group received a call on its hotline from a distraught digger driver who had exposed the breeding chamber of a badger sett containing three cubs.

Volunteers were sent to the site, near Purleigh, to collect the two males and one female and transfer them to their rearing facility.

Sadly the female cub died from wounds sustained from contact with the digger.

Group chairman Renee Hockley-Byam said: “We always hope that people check for wildlife before going in with a digger.

“I can say it was private land, not far from Purleigh, but we can’t be precise because there are a lot of people who wish them harm.

“A digger driver was moving a pile of earth and rubble and hadn’t thought to check for wildlife.

“As he pulled the bucket back the three cubs were dragged out still wrapped in their straw bedding.

“It’s believed the sow badger had bolted out of another sett entrance and she hasn’t been seen since.

“We are very grateful to the digger driver for his speedy response in ringing our hotline.

“Had he delayed, the tiny cubs may have become chilled and died.

“He was devastated and is going to try to make others aware of what can happen if they don’t check first.

“The cubs are around five or six weeks old and are being bottle-fed at regular intervals day and night.”

Renne added: “We urge people to check for wildlife before undertaking any work that entails movement of soil with machinery.

“Our volunteers monitor badger setts and planning applications that may threaten their habitat.

“They respond to calls about dead badgers in case they have been shot, snared or particularly at this time of year when cubs are still dependent on their mothers, that they are not lactating sows.

“Training is given and anyone interested can call our hotline on 07751 572175.”

The North East Essex Badger Group is currently looking for more members in the Maldon and Dengie area to help with the task of protecting badgers and their habitats.

For further information about the group, visit neebg.co.uk.