BADGER lovers have been assured there is no intention of culling the animals on Salisbury Plain to preserve archaeological sites.

Speculation English Heritage and the Ministry of Defence were to get rid of badgers to protect ancient monuments was raised in an article by Juliette Jowit, the Observer's environment correspondent, on Sunday.

But both the MoD and English Heritage confirmed that they are fully supportive of badgers and nature conservation.

Dr Elaine King, chief executive of the National Federation of Badger Groups, said: "Badgers in worked ground are as natural as earthworms, moles and tree roots.

"We will continue to work in partnership with archaeologists to achieve a fair balance in the protection of Britain's heritage."