A BADGER has been rescued after the animal fell into a bowl at Newquay skatepark.

Cornwall Badger Group volunteer Dave Hudson helped the badger escape at Concrete Waves using a blanket and a plank of wood on Sunday, May 5.

Cornwall Badger Group volunteer Dave Hudson used an old curtain and a plank of wood to rescue the animal (Picture Dave Hudson/Cornwall Badger Group) ( )

Dave said: “I got the call on Sunday morning after someone had called into the Cornwall Badger Group reporting a badger stuck in the bowl at the skatepark.

“I headed up there not knowing whether the badger was going to be injured or what sort of state it was going to be in so took a few bits and pieces with me.

“Fortunately, when I arrived the badger was clearly moving fine and despite a few grazes on his paws would be fine to head back to the sett if I could just help him out of the bowl.

“I had brought a large old curtain with me, so I lay that over the edge and moved back out of the way.

“The badger seemed to know what to do and pretty much straight away tried to clamber out but initially just pulled the curtain into the bowl.

“I managed to then find a big bit of wood lying about that I could then use to weigh the edge of the curtain down and so on the next attempt the badger managed to clamber out! It took a second to have a look around, looked at me and then decided it was time to head home for his breakfast.

“Fortunately, it was pretty early so there weren't too many people about so it should have been able to find its way back fairly easily I hope.

“Badgers are a really important part of our ecosystem, and we are lucky to have a few setts in and around Newquay, they are often misunderstood and thought to be aggressive but like most wild animals they don’t really want to be near or interact with humans and as long as they don’t feel threatened or cornered then they would far rather just move away.

“It’s really important that if anyone comes across a sick, injured or trapped wild animal then they seek the help of someone experienced as soon as possible as this will reduce any risk to the animal or themselves.”

A spokesperson for the Cornwall Badger Group added: “Early morning call for Dave our volunteer from Newquay who went to help a badger escape from the bowl that he had fell in at Newquay skate park.

“Bless him he couldn’t get out as it was so steep but with a little help, he was off and on his way back to his sett. Thanks to the caller who kindly let us know and to our great volunteer.”