Shropshire couple to receive national award for their work to protect badgers

A Shropshire couple are to be recognised with a special award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) at the House of Lords, honouring their tireless efforts to protect British badgers.

Jim Ashley (76), and his wife Jude, (74), who live in North Shropshire, have been volunteering with Shropshire Badger Group since the group's formation 30 years ago. They work to tackle badger crime and persecution, often being called out to incidents of cruelty and gathering evidence for criminal prosecutions.

In 1987, a number of park rangers, police officers, RSPCA officers, naturalists and farmers, all concerned about incidents of cruelty to badgers, came together to form the group, and asked Jim to chair it. He has held this position ever since.

A retired police officer, Jim often goes out to assist sick and injured badgers at all hours of the day and night, working with a local wildlife rescue group to rehabilitate the badgers. Jude handles much of the fundraising for the group and other organisational tasks.

Shropshire Badger Group, a registered charity, raises awareness through talks and members use their badger knowledge and expertise to promote a positive image of badgers.

Philip Mansbridge, UK Director of IFAW, said: "Jim and Jude's many years of dedication to protecting badgers and preventing cruelty is admirable. With British badgers facing many threats today, including the cruel and unnecessary badger cull, Jim and Jude's efforts to stop badger persecution are more important than ever. We hope that their example will inspire the next generation of animal welfare campaigners. They are very deserving winners of IFAW's British Wildlife Award."

Jim said: "I don't think I particularly had an affinity with badgers before the group started, in fact I don't remember if I had ever seen one, but it was hearing about the cruelty that got me involved; I just didn't want the abuse of these animals to continue.

"I have since got to know a lot more about them and have an understanding and enjoyment of this animal now I have been hands on in their rescue. I was surprised and delighted to hear Jude and I were to receive an IFAW award; this is really down to the work of the whole group."

Jim says one of the most satisfying aspects of the work is the success of their efforts to educate local people on badgers, which has led to more volunteers joining the group, particularly young people, which is needed to ensure the group continues into the future. From a handful of volunteers in the beginning, there are now 160 members.

As well as tackling attacks on badgers, Jim and Jude are spearheading a successful local badger vaccination programme, in response to the Government's badger cull. This involves offering badger vaccination for local farms. So far 10 farms have taken part but the group is keen for more to get involved.

Jim and Jude will receive their award at IFAW's prestigious Animal Action Awards event, hosted by Baroness Gale and presented by TV wildlife presenter Bill Oddie at the House of Lords on October 17.