Challenge to badger culls goes to the High Court 

A High Court judicial review has been granted to challenge the legality of 26 badger culling licences issued by Natural England between June and November 2024.

The legal action, brought by Badger Trust and Wild Justice, argues that the licences were approved despite internal scientific advice warning against continued culling. In April 2024, Natural England’s own director of science reportedly concluded there was “no justification” for further culls following four years of intensive action, suggesting vaccination as a viable alternative for bovine TB control.

However, officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) expressed concern that refusing the licences might damage relations with the farming sector. Natural England proceeded to approve the licences in May 2024.

According to the claimants, this decision prioritised maintaining confidence among farmers over the legal basis for culling — namely, the prevention of disease. The High Court will now consider whether Natural England acted lawfully in exercising its statutory powers.

The case could have wide-reaching implications for future wildlife management, bovine TB strategy, and the use of scientific evidence in policy decisions across the UK.