Spotlight on: moles

It's Make Your Nature Count week, and we're back again with a series of posts to celebrate some of the lesser-talked about species we're asking you to tell us about in our survey.

I'm kicking things off with a look at moles.

I've never seen a mole, which perhaps isn't really that surprising seeing as they pretty much live exclusively underground. However, I've certainly seen the familiar and telltale signs that they're somewhere under my feet: molehills.

Quite the gymnast

What I hadn't quite appreciated about moles was just how tough these little creatures are.

They can create around 20 meters of tunnel in a day and move twice their own weight of soil a minute! And while their smooth fur allows them to travel backwards in their tunnels, they can also change direction by doing a forward roll.

In my book they've got the physical strength, flexibility, and agility to rival any human gymnast!

Earth mover

Moles are fiercely territorial and spend most of the time on their own. However, during the breeding season (late February or March) the male extends his tunnel system actively looking for a mate.

To raise her young, the female builds a special chamber and lines it with grass - a sight not often seen. When the young are ready to branch out on their own, they must leave the comfort of their underground home and disperse above ground. This makes them vulnerable to predation, and during this time young moles often become dinner for owls, buzzards and even stoats.

Digging is what they do

It might not make them the most lovable of garden visitors, but the digging talents of moles have been quite a bit of help to English Heritage - digging up treasure from areas where humans have been banned. Not many animals can say that.

If you've got a mole in your garden, please do let us know as part of our survey. You've got until 10 June to tell us.