Rachel Bigsby, wildlife photographer and youth ambassador for Badger Trust, took to the stage at Parliament Green alongside her long-time ally and environmental advocate, Chris Packham for Badger Trust's National Day of Action, to speak out against the ongoing badger cull across England - a powerful gathering aimed at urging the UK government to end the systematic killing of one of Britain’s most iconic species.
Rachel, whose work with badgers has been featured in high-profile projects like Sir David Attenborough's Wild Isles series, delivered a stirring speech and began her address by inviting her audience on an immersive journey into the Sussex woodlands, where she has photographed her local badger clan for many years. Through her storytelling, she captured the magical, intimate moments of encountering badgers in their natural habitat, describing the setting of an ancient woodland carpeted in bluebells, where shadows dance and the soft light reveals the tender interactions between a mother badger and her playful cubs.
"Each encounter is a gift," she reflected, "a reminder of the resilience of nature and the beauty of life."
She emphasised that badgers are not just creatures of aesthetic beauty, but also vital players in the ecosystem. As "ecosystem engineers," badgers help maintain the balance of the natural environment, supporting the health of numerous other species. Her evocative descriptions of these creatures, coupled with her deep passion for their conservation, underscored the urgency of protecting them from the ongoing cull.
"Their existence is a testament to the interconnectedness of life, and when badgers thrive, so does the world around them."
Rachel also touched on the broader implications of the cull, framing it as a failure of the UK’s responsibility to safeguard its natural world. She reminded the audience that badgers have called Britain their home for 250,000 years, serving as living symbols of the British countryside. Yet, despite their historical and ecological importance, the current cull is pushing them toward extinction.
"When we destroy badgers, we are not just removing a single species—we are unravelling a complex web of interactions that supports countless other forms of life," she warned.
Throughout her speech, Rachel called on the government to adopt a more compassionate and intelligent approach to bTB —one that reflects scientific evidence and moral responsibility. She emphasised that ending the badger cull is not merely about saving a species, but about making better choices for the future of the environment.
"We must shift from conflict to coexistence," she said, urging the audience to see badgers not as adversaries, but as integral parts of Britain's natural heritage.
Despite the grave challenges, Rachel expressed hope. She believes that each action taken to protect badgers is a step closer to a healthier and more vibrant environment for future generations. As youth ambassador for Badger Trust, she highlighted the importance of safeguarding the species for the young people who will inherit the planet, reminding everyone that the fight to protect badgers is also a fight for a future rich with biodiversity.
In closing, Rachel issued a powerful call to action, asking everyone to challenge harmful policies, protect badger habitats, and educate others on the importance of wildlife conservation.
"The next time you find yourself in the quiet woodlands," she urged, "remember the badger, this quiet, gentle creature that carries the weight of centuries on its back. What kind of world do we want to leave behind?"
Rachel’s heartfelt words at Parliament were a reminder that protecting badgers is not just about preventing extinction; it’s about cherishing the wild beauty that enriches human lives. By saving badgers, she reminded her audience, we are also saving a part of ourselves.
The National Day of Action has brought renewed attention to the plight of badgers and the ongoing campaign to end the cull.
Rachel's speech resonated deeply with the hundreds who attended the event. Activists from across England, Wales, Scotland, and even as far as Belgium came by train, bus, bicycle, and on foot, to show their support for the cause. Many met with their local MPs to voice their concerns, making it clear that the fight to save badgers is not over.
Badger Trust, alongside its allies, continues to call on the government to adopt a science-led approach that respects both the welfare of animals and the long-term health of the environment. Badgers are not only at risk from the cull but also face growing threats from habitat destruction due to development and rising levels of wildlife crime.
As the government prepares to intensify the badger cull this autumn, Bigsby and Packham are rallying supporters to stand firm. The current cull has already claimed the lives of over 230,000 badgers, nearly half the estimated population, in an attempt to control bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle—a practice increasingly viewed as both ineffective and unethical by leading conservationists and scientific experts alike. Chris Packham, a tireless advocate for wildlife and one of the UK’s most recognised conservationists, stood side by side with Rachel Bigsby, reinforcing the urgency of the moment.
"This is more than just a fight for badgers; it’s a fight for the future of nature in one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. The badger cull is an emblem of a broader issue—our nation's disregard for its wildlife. We need to stop treating the environment as expendable."
Badger Trust is committed to continuing this fight, with the support of activists, conservationists, and the public. With momentum building, Bigsby and Packham’s voices—along with the hundreds who gathered in Parliament—serve as a powerful reminder that the fight to save badgers and protect Britain’s fragile wildlife is far from over.
For more information on how to get involved and support the campaign, visit www.badgertrust.org.
About Rachel Bigsby Rachel Bigsby is an acclaimed wildlife photographer and a dedicated youth ambassador for the Badger Trust. Her work focuses on the importance of conservation and raising awareness about wildlife protection, particularly badgers and their role in maintaining ecosystem balance.
About Chris Packham OBE Chris Packham is a leading environmental campaigner, naturalist, and broadcaster. He is widely recognised for his tireless advocacy for wildlife and the environment, using his platform to champion the rights of animals and the importance of preserving biodiversity in the UK.
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