Chris Packham CBE, naturalist and television presenter, is helping to shine a light on the brutality of badger baiting.

He is supporting a film aimed at young people that shows the cruelty and prevalence of badger baiting.

Badger baiting continues to thrive, despite being banned since 1835.

Animal welfare charity, Naturewatch Foundation, commissioned the 16-minute documentary ‘Raising Awareness of Badger Crime’.

Young film maker Alex Collins takes the audience deep into the forest to the site of a badger sett, exploring their ecology and how vital they are to their ecosystems - but also the extreme cruelty they face, including badger baiting.

Teenagers are taught how to recognise signs of wildlife crime and how they can help protect badgers if they suspect persecution is happening.

Chris said: “The film offers teenagers the chance to appreciate and connect with the natural world, and with a creature they may have previously had little knowledge of.

"As we have learned, particularly during the pandemic, nature has been recognised as a source of inspiration and comfort for so many of us.

"It is more important than ever that we inspire the younger generations to become guardians and protectors of our natural world and all the beautiful creatures that call it home, particularly the humble and highly victimised badger.”

The film maker, Alex, who is also a zoologist, said: "The fact that badger baiting remains so un-discussed among the general public is a testament to how far we still have to go if we are to defeat wildlife crime nationwide.

"I believe that all generations, young and old, have the power to create positive change and I hope that this film acts as the first stepping stone towards inspiring people to do that."

The charity is inviting anyone working with teenagers to feature the film in their schedules, particularly secondary schools and youth work settings.

Caroline Ruane, CEO of Naturewatch Foundation, said: “Badger crime can be a generational issue, with children witnessing their parents’ involvement and not registering that their activities are morally wrong – or even illegal.

"To help save British badgers from a horrific end, we invite anyone who works with teenagers over the age of 13 to share our thought-provoking, and conversation-starting, video with their groups via our YouTube channel.

"Young people can change the future for this iconic animal.”

You can watch the film on YouTube at youtu.be/GF0aDcKSMUk.