A BADGER hide has been opened up in the Lake District for wildlife lovers to see the mammals at close range in their natural habitat.

Every Monday evening until October, RSPB Haweswater is running guided badger watches at the hide, where people can observe the animals as they forage for food and interact with each other.

Run by wildlife experts from the Haweswater team, the watches are ideal for anyone eager to get a glimpse at the wild badgers living in this secluded area of the Lake District National Park.

The hide is also available to book for exclusive use, which is perfect for wildlife photographers, educational groups or as a birthday treat. On these sessions, attendees have the hide entirely to themselves, but also have the option of booking an RSPB badger guide to join them if they would like an insight into the Haweswater badgers.

Heather Devey, from RSPB Haweswater, said: “Although widespread across the UK, badgers are very elusive, so the hide offers people a rare opportunity to observe these enigmatic animals up close without disturbing them.

“It’s great that people are booking our badger hide for such a variety of reasons too; from families keen to see their first wild badger together to avid photographers keen to capture these beautiful animals on film.”

Guided badger watches run every Monday and cost £15 for non-RSPB members, £12 for RSPB members and £10 for children. Please note that children must be aged eight or above, and all under 18s accompanied by a paying adult. Times vary. Tickets are available from http://rspbhaweswater.eventbrite.com,