but the former policeman knows the threat that may loom in clashed assert at night -- gloucestershire at night. >> we have been studying the badgers in the belly for the last 25, 28 years and taking hundreds of people to see them. they are beautiful animals, you can see. they are a protected species. there's no way that i would want to see good, healthy badger's shot by marksmen and just leave them to die, possibly under ground, badly injured, died a long, lingering death underground. >> it is an essential part of efforts by the government to curb rising tuberculosis infection in cattle. yet, out in the forest, animal rights activists are determined to protect the animals. >> there is the set. the night engines. quite clear. well use. >> britain's in urban and rural areas oppose killing badgers. many want to learn how they can help. the veteran activist explains that it is all about mapping sets in order to thwart the hunters. >> we regularly get people out here who came to check on it. there is never any sign of any shooting going on. we will bring in legal protesters to make the noi