Who was Debbie Bailey?

Debbie Bailey was a former nurse who became a dedicated conservationist, known as the "badger champion," for her work protecting badgers in Derbyshire, England.

How did the community remember Debbie Bailey?

After Debbie Bailey's passing, over £15,000 was raised towards a foundation the family plans to set up in her memory. She was remembered as an "amazing person" who was the "life and the soul of any room" and had a special ability to get people involved in her conservation work.

Home / Environment / Beloved "Badger Champion" Debbie Bailey Passes Away After Collapsing on Duty

Beloved "Badger Champion" Debbie Bailey Passes Away After Collapsing on Duty

Q: What was Debbie Bailey's contribution to badger conservation?

Debbie Bailey led pioneering vaccination projects to help reduce the risk of the spread of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in the badger population and to cattle. She demonstrated to the government that there were alternatives to culling badgers.

20 Aug

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Summary

Debbie Bailey, a former nurse, dedicated her life to protecting badgers
She led pioneering vaccination projects to reduce bovine tuberculosis in badgers
Over £15,000 raised for a foundation in her memory

Beloved "Badger Champion" Debbie Bailey Passes Away After Collapsing on Duty

On August 1, 2025, the community mourned the loss of Debbie Bailey, a beloved "badger champion" who passed away after collapsing while conducting vaccination work. The 58-year-old former nurse had dedicated her life to the protection of badgers, becoming a conservationist after becoming intrigued by the animals that visited her garden in Derbyshire, England.

Bailey's work as a lead vaccinator for the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust was pioneering, as she led projects aimed at reducing the spread of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in the badger population and to cattle. Her stepson, Gareth Wilson, said her efforts "demonstrated to the government that there was an alternative to culling" badgers, a practice the UK government has allowed under license since 2013 to tackle the spread of bTB.

In recognition of her tireless efforts, Bailey was awarded the Animal Action Award by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in 2018. Her family now plans to set up a foundation in her memory, which has already raised over £15,000 in tributes. Bailey's partner, David Wilson, and her sister, Tracey, were also actively involved in her vaccination work, showcasing the impact she had on those around her.

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