Calling any gardeners - What's digging up my lawn?

[parapaul]

We found the first shallow grave about a month ago, and just assumed that the dog had done it while we'd been out. Then another one appeared, and another.

Then one appeared while we were out for the day, and the dog was with us, so we wondered if maybe it was one of the cats - although it seemed unlikely as they stubbornly refuse to stop using the litter tray indoors.

More appeared, and we still thought it might have been the cats, until we woke one morning to find another - while all our animals were shut inside with us.

This is what we've got - it's about the size of an outstretched hand, and the debris is scattered for maybe 18 inches, all in one direction as if it's been scrabbled at by an animal digging.



Any suggestions, anyone?

[Laurel Green]

Though a tad small in area, it could be a fox.

[parapaul]

That's the only sensible idea I had left - but I thought foxes were almost completely nocturnal? Several of these holes have appeared during the day...

[Boosted LS1]

Rat maybe or an animal taking a pee like a cat perhaps.

[CDP]

Probably a rabbit. Have any of your plants been nibbled?

[jmorgan]

Animal having a wee and covering up after?

Doh. Already mentioned.

Edited by jmorgan on Saturday 26th June 15:37

[goldblum]

bd squirrel.

Got exactly the same in my b.g. too.

[fatboy b]

Black birds digging for worms. They're doing my lawn too. I know it's them, as I've caught them a few times now. If you rake it, it should promote re-growth.

[goldblum]

Could be Blackbirds,I've seen them at it as well.

[Simpo Two]

Never seen a blackbird do that (they just leave a few fluffy bits). I'd vote for squirrel but not sure.

[deevlash]

parapaul said:

That's the only sensible idea I had left - but I thought foxes were almost completely nocturnal? Several of these holes have appeared during the day...

the foxes round here seem to be up all the blooming time these days

[parapaul]

Thanks for the suggestions - I'll keep an eye out for blackbirds and squirrels and see if I catch any of the little fkers

[ben10]

We quite often find pheasants sitting in the ones on our land. We often see them scratching the ground up as well. we also have squirrels, foxes and billions of rabbits. We are not 100% sure what is doing it but the amount of "digging" has gone down since the pheasant shoot stopped about 2 years ago.

Someone once told us it was a combination of most of the animals trying to get at these weired flying bug things that nest in the grass/ground...Especially the pheasants apparently .

[headcase]

Crocodile.

[CDP]

headcase said:

Crocodile.

It's getting warm now so they venture out the sewers in search of bigger prey. Keep the cats and dogs inside for a bit.

[Dave Dax builder]

headcase said:

Crocodile.

That's a pretty stupid answer when someone needs help.
There are no Crocodiles in Stoke on Trent.
Those patches will be where a Hippopotamus has been sun bathing. Happens all the time round here.

[Space Invader]

We've had some worm like creature attacking our grass and then I've seen blackbirds hunting for the worms and compounding the damage.

I've left the gardener to do his thing, but to be honest he is struggling while the blackbirds are still lurking.

I'm thinking -

[CDP]

Dave Dax builder said:

headcase said:

Crocodile.

That's a pretty stupid answer when someone needs help.
There are no Crocodiles in Stoke on Trent.
Those patches will be where a Hippopotamus has been sun bathing. Happens all the time round here.

Sorry I didn't realise you're up in Stoke.

Out here in the Fens we've got plenty of wetlands and they're just the job for feeding strangers to.

[racing green]

Definately a Fox, they are looking for worms and grubs and they will venture out whenever they are hungry! We have the same problem