See also our Cradley Wild book-list and web links.

Cradley Wild will have a stall at the Plant Sales in Cradley Churchyard on 4th May

The next meeting will be in Cradley Village Hall on Thursday 9th May at 2.30pm, please come along if you would like to  help improve the environment for nature.

Please eMail CradleyWild@cradley.org.uk if you would like to join our group.

See the 3 villages Newsletter for the April 2024 article on Wildlife Friendly Planters

EXTRAORDINARY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING ABOUT MOLES, 26 MARCH 2024

1. Statement from Dr Rob Atkinson, author of ‘Moles’ (Whittet Books, 2013), submitted by Cradley Wild

Despite their abundance, moles remain one of our least known wild animals. Small, at around 100g, and living underground, moles reluctantly give up their secrets. I suspect that’s one reason why, unlike hedgehogs, the mole – save for that affectionate portrait in The Wind in the Willows – does not enjoy a secure place in the national affections.

My family lived in Cradley for 50 years. We always had moles in our garden, and when I was young, I used to trap them. Years later, I studied moles at Oxford University, revealing many but far from all their secrets. While I wouldn’t dream of telling someone they shouldn’t get upset at molehills, I would urge a greater understanding of these remarkable animals. Armed with such knowledge, we can make an informed judgement. [See supplementary statement for background information on moles.)

Moles are part of a healthy ecosystem

Painful though the thought of molehills is, moles are part of a healthy, natural ecosystem, as their digging brings nutrients to the surface, and molehills are nurseries for wildflowers. Even on farmland moles have a role, aerating the soil and eating crop-damaging larvae, and they were once deliberately introduced to control cockchafer beetles. Germany, a country with an agriculture very similar to ours, takes the view that moles are overall a good thing, and protects them by law. Of course, locally they can be more destructive. They can pollute silage when their molehills are collected accidentally by mowers. Depending on one’s point of view they can disfigure our gardens.

Moles are top of wildlife’s hit list

Consequently, moles remain a target in Britain, where we kill uncounted thousands each year, putting them at the top of our country’s hit-list of wildlife. Moles are still persecuted with scant protection from the law. Although moles no longer suffer an appalling death from strychnine, Britain only banned the poison for use on moles in 2006, 50 years after it had stopped its use on all other animals. Moles can still be killed using phosphine gas, even though it is difficult to get high concentrations in the tunnels, and low exposure means moles can take three days to die. The law exempts mole traps from meeting the welfare standards that apply to other spring traps in Britain. And trapping in spring risks orphaning dependent young.

A most remarkable animal

There is no doubt that moles, more specifically molehills, can be a nuisance but surely these creatures – mighty, mysterious, and resilient – deserve our respect and, as often as we can offer it, our tolerance. Instead of killing them, please think about raking over their molehills, or use the sifted and aerated soil in the garden. Then wonder what one of our most remarkable animals is getting up to, unseen below your feet.

2. Supplementary statement: understanding moles

The mole is nearly blind, and although it can detect light it does not hunt for earthworms (its main prey) using its eyes, which are pinpoints hidden beneath its dense, black fur. Instead, it relies on smell and on touching wriggling prey using sensory hairs on its face. Moles need to eat at least half their bodyweight every day – about six big common earthworms. With fastidious care, a mole will squeeze the gritty gut contents out of a worm before eating it, holding the head in its sharp teeth and pulling the slimy body through its nails.

What does a mole look like?

Moles have broad, spade-like hands armed with thick, earth-scraping nails and a fringe of stiff hairs to sweep soil. Their upright, sensitive tails help them quickly reverse. The strong, flexible spine allows the mole to instantly turn around in a tunnel only millimetres wider than its body. The shoulders are so powerful that they can exert a sideways pressure 24 times the mole’s own bodyweight – equivalent to a human pushing nearly two tonnes.

The poet John Clare was right to call the mole “the little hermit”: both sexes are solitary. Uniquely among mammals, the females have “ovotestes”: a combination of ovary, which produces eggs, and testicular tissue. The latter generates the hormone testosterone, which is likely responsible for the female mole’s aggressive defence of her territory. Both males and females are strongly territorial.

The sex life of the mole

The females’ testosterone recedes temporarily in spring when they briefly let down their guard and mate. At this time of the year, males are lustily charging across the landscape, in shallow surface tunnels hundreds of metres long in the hope of finding females. The sexes stay together for only an hour or so, and soon afterwards females resume their solitary lives.

In mid-April in southern England to late June in Scotland, three or four babies are born in warm, underground nests of dry grass, and spend their first four weeks sleeping and drinking their mother’s milk. They start to eat solid food, possibly learning by grabbing hold of a worm their mother is eating. By early summer the mother’s territory must support four or five animals rather than one, and dryer, leaner times are coming. The young moles leave home and set off to find their own territories, risking starvation, traffic, and foxes. Sixty four percent of youngsters never live to see their first birthday. Only a lucky few reach the maximum age of seven.

Molehills explained

The mole is an accomplished digger. Each mole lives at depths of up to 150cm in a network of tunnels more than a kilometre long, all packed like spaghetti into a territory only 30-40 metres across. Moles rely on their tunnels to act as traps for their prey. Earthworms moving through the soil accidentally enter the tunnels and, once they’re in, it takes a while to get out which is when they’re caught by the patrolling mole. The cursed molehills are just a by-product of their industrious digging. Moles make fewest molehills in summer when the soil is harder to dig, and people may not even know they are there. Moles work for about four and half hours a day in winter and take about an hour to dig one metre.

Having dug the soil, moles have to push it onto the surface via near-vertical shafts. The soil in even a short, 15cm shaft weighs three times as much the mole does, and the mole lifts against the resistance of the shaft’s walls and with one hand, bracing itself against the tunnel walls with its hindfeet and the other hand. Moles can lift around two kilograms – 20 times their own bodyweight. Puny by comparison, Olympic powerlifters can only manage twice their own bodyweight.

MINUTES OF CRADLEY WILD MEETING Thursday 7 March 2024, Cradley Village Hall

PRESENT: Linda Belmont (chair), and 12 members

APOLOGIES: 2

1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES

2. PLANT SALE, 4 May; VILLAGE FETE, 29 June

Plant Sale: CW has a table at the plant sale. As Linda, Nicole, Jessie and Clare are away on that date, Linda asked for volunteers to staff it. It may be that we just leave leaflets. Any plants provided by our group will be sold in aid of church and village hall.

Action points: someone to staff the stand. Anyone got any surplus wildlife-friendly plants to sell? Clare to create leaflet and liaise with Ken about printing.

Village Fete

Our table is booked and paid for.

 Action point: presence and offering to be discussed.

3. CRADLEY WILD CONSTITUTION

Linda reported that the constitution has been drawn up and circulated. Amendments to be added and recirculated. She thanked Patrick for his help pulling it together and Tony for his amendments, which have been considered and some incorporated. Tony pointed out that the constitution should state that no payment to be made except for expenses, and made suggestions as to how many people should be required to be quorate.

Action point: Clare to circulate draft constitution. Any comments feedback to be sent to Linda. Once everyone has agreed, it will be ratified at the next meeting.

4. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ENABLING GROUP

This was prompted by meeting with David Armitage of National Landscapes who advised that CW needs a steering group and constitution to apply for grants and to be taken seriously. A temporary team of Chair (Linda), Secretary (Clare) and Treasurer (Jesse) is in place. Permanent members to be elected at the AGM in September. Three members of the enabling group are needed to be a quorate. The minimum number of meetings per annum to be four. Agenda to be circulated beforehand.

Linda suggested that a voluntary fee of £5 per member p.a. to be requested to cover admin costs.

Action point: vote on whether to go ahead with voluntary contributions to take place at next meeting.

5. UPDATE ON BANK ACCOUNT

Clare reported that, following some technical difficulties, a CW bank account has been opened with Lloyds. Signatories are Linda, Clare and Jessie.

6. REPORT ON MEETING WITH DAVID ARMITAGE

Linda and Clare met with David Armitage of National Landscapes (was AONB). He will apply for a grant of £1,000  to be available  for CW for wildlife projects and equipment eg hi-vis vests, tools.  If made available, this will be paid in arrears. Tony pointed out that all receipts must be kept so that this can happen.

7. REPORT ON SUSTAINABLE LEDBURY WASTE DISPOSAL MEETING

Jessie, Paul and Clare attended this meeting. Jessie reported that it was an interesting presentation and a good reminder of what we can and can’t recycle. She has written an account for the next Newsletter. Tenders for Herefordshire waste will be re-negotiated in September so there may be some changes regarding food waste.

There was discussion about biodegradable/composting soft plastics and what this means. Ian said that he has sourced compostable doggy bags made from potato starch.

Action point: Ian to write a note for the newsletter on where to get these doggy bags.

Action point: pursue a partnership with Sustainable Ledbury.  

8. REPORT ON HEDGES MEETING, COLWALL

Ian, Patrick, Jenny and Clare attended. The talk by Megan from Peoples Trust for Endangered Species was excellent and inspiring. A bird handler came with a Barn Owl and a Kestrel; Jenny pointed out that birds need hedges as much as small creatures, insects etc for sightlines, food and shelter. Colwall has done an extensive survey of all hedges accessible by public right of way, which is a great template should we do one, too.

Action point: a Cradley hedge survey to be considered for the future, using the useful methodology implemented by Colwall.

Action point: Ian to write an account of the meeting for the Newsletter. Linda to ask David Armitage for the information he offered on how the hedge survey needs to be conducted.

9. PROGRESS OF PLANTERS

Diane reported that Janita has received our proposal and will submit costs to the Parish Council.

Action point: everyone agreed that the list of plants drawn up by Ian and Bill was a useful document and could be expanded to include in the Newsletter. Ian to action.

10. UPDATE ON WATER MONITORING, CRADLEY BROOK

Ian met with Kate from Severn Rivers Trust with other volunteers. This is part of a national organisation which trains volunteers to use equipment, which it supplies. This equipment is currently with a volunteer called Dick. Kate will advise on how often to monitor the water, potentially in three sites: Kingsbridge, Mathon, and Pound Bridge. Ian Haig currently monitors six sites every week.

Action point: Ian to update at next meeting.

11. NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS

It was agreed that we submit the following articles for the next three issues:

a.  Wildlife-friendly plant list (Ian and Bill)

b.      Waste and recycling (Jessie) + call to action Bird Count (Mike)

c.   Hedges (Ian  and Patrick)

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

* VERGES

Diane reported that there are two designated roadside verges marked by Herefordshire Council. In the past, she has maintained these in October ie raked leaves, weeded nettles, brambles etc. This is something CW can continue. There are rakes which we can use.

Action point: a working party of volunteers to be established to do this. Diane to point out verges involved.

* TREES

John is a parish tree warden and has a list of the protected trees in the villages.

Action point: John to supply document to Clare who will scan it and circulate.

* CHAPEL LANE MOUND

Diane proposed that CW supply words for the storyboards at Chapel Lane, explaining what the purpose of the Mound is, what the plants are, their benefits to wildlife etc. The Mound has been surveyed to establish what is growing there. DM also pointed out that the problem with moles in the football field is that children could twist an ankle in the tunnels they create.

Action point: Diane/Janita to get hold of the results of the survey and circulate. Then we can write copy.

* CRUMPTON HILL VILLAGE GREEN, CRADLEY ORCHARD

Diane asked what are our plans for these patches of greenery? She suggested planting memorial fruit trees, like Cradley Orchard. Ian and Patrick are going to prune the trees in Cradley Orchard. Diane suggested planting fritillaries beneath the trees as the ground is so wet and they like damp conditions.

Action point: Diane to take us to view the area and to see the verges. Plans to be agreed with Parish Council.

* HEREFORDSHIRE LOCAL NATURE RECOVERY SCHEME

Tony and Linda brought this to the meeting’s attention.

Action point: it was agreed to monitor it.

* VILLAGE BIRD COUNT

Mike suggested we run a village bird count in late May/early June to establish what species are present. He also congratulated Jessie for her article on hedgehogs in the current Newsletter.

Action point: date and time tbc. Mike to supply copy for May Newsletter.

• HEDGELAYING

John drew attention to the lovely bit of hedgelaying in Mathon.

Action point: if anyone is passing (road works currently making this tricky), please take a photo to potentially include in the Newsletter.

13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

This will be held on Thursday 9 May, 2.30pm, in the Village Hall.

From the March 2024 newsletter: Animals in Danger -  Hedgehogs

Following on from the Bryce Family’s excellent article on raising awareness about creating corridors/tunnels for hedgehogs, it feels appropriate to focus on the plight of the hedgehog. Hedgehogs are in serious decline (by up to 50% in rural areas since the millennium).  There is no single reason but loss of habitat through development, hedge removal, habitat fragmentation, competition for food, injuries, lack of food and use of pesticides all contribute.

25% of hedgehogs die before they leave the nest and a further 50% do not survive in to adulthood.  However, we can all help hedgehogs. 

Habitat

Hedgehogs can travel 2-3 km in a night making it essential to create a tunnel in garden fences.  Otherwise, hedgehog populations can become isolated, which has a genetic impact and eventually the isolated populations may become unviable and subsequently extinct.  Loss of habitat can mean hedgehogs struggle to find somewhere to nest or find food.  Hedgehogs prefer hedgerows (hence the name), woodland edges and suburban habitats (reiterating the importance of small tunnels in fences). A hedgehog house in a quiet, shady area of the garden may encourage a hedgehog to take up residence in your garden.  Hibernation isn’t constant throughout winter and hedgehogs will leave their slumber if their fat reserves deplete. 

As you read this, hedgehogs will start to emerge from their winter hibernation – so leaving food and water will give them sustenance to help them on their way. .  If you want to leave some food just in case - cat biscuits left undercover will be edible for a week.

Food

Hedgehogs like to eat invertebrates (beetles, earwigs, caterpillars, earthworms, millipedes and fly larvae), so anything you can do to encourage these into your garden will help.  Planting British native plants, encouraging dense vegetation and leaving some patches of bare soil will help.  Hedgehogs are opportunist feeders and will eat cat/dog food.  Putting food and water out during dry, hot spells will help (milk and mealworms are a definite “no” for hedgehogs.  Mealworms are the hedgehog equivalent of junk food).  Log piles, compost heaps and a small pond (being aware that hedgehogs need a slipway to climb in and out of the water safely) will encourage invertebrates into your garden.

Accidents

Sadly, hedgehogs get injured by strimmers,  they can be caught in netting and more often killed by cars.  Hedgehogs can nestle in long grass, so if you are following no mow May please check for hedgehogs before you cut the grass,  Hedgehogs won’t run away when they sense danger, they curl into a ball.  Be hedgehog aware – drive more slowly and check before you chop and when driving slow down for nature.

In summary -there are many reasons why the hedgehog population is declining and no one garden can give a hedgehog everything it needs, which is why we all need to help.  If you have an impermeable fence please make a tunnel, leave some leaves, logs, or a small wild patch in your garden and please don’t use pesticides.  Be hedgehog aware when using machines (including cars).

Together we can make a difference.

For more information www.britishhedghogs.org.uk

And the Cradley Wild page at: www.cradley.org.uk

With thanks to articles by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Hedgehog Street, BBC

From the February 2024 newsletter:

WHY WE SHOULD WELCOME MOLES IN OUR GARDENS

It’s during winter and into spring that we really notice moles. Or rather, we notice mole hills – moles are mostly subterranean and are rarely seen above ground. Piles of freshly dug earth appear in fields and gardens, breaking out across lawns and in flower beds. Many a gardener (and professional mole catcher) views these soft piles of soil as an enemy invasion and will not rest until the ground is flat once more and the small mammal responsible is dealt with. It is the misfortune of this otherwise blameless creature that its progress in search of worms results in heaps of earth. Their crime is to make gardens look a bit messy.

Rather than see these industrious mammals as pests, I say we should welcome them into our gardens and recognise the benefit they bring. They are part of nature’s grand scheme of things after all, contributing to the health of the soil by turning it, draining it and mixing its nutrients. You know you have healthy, worm-rich soil when molehills appear. Molehills also make excellent nursery beds for wildflowers. Even on farmland, moles have a role, aerating soil and eating crop-damaging larvae – they were once deliberately introduced to control cockchafer beetles.

Because they live underground, moles escape most people’s attention and knowledge of them is scant. Did you know, for example, that the series of molehills across your lawn was created by a single mole? After mating, they live a solitary life in the darkness with smell and touch their only means of seeking and finding prey and future mates.

The only time they venture above ground is when they are young and in search of a burrow of their own. These burrows can be hundreds of metres long and are dug at various depths to allow for droughts and for low temperatures. Powerful diggers with strong shoulders, moles have white, paddle-like front legs which look remarkably like human hands, a pink pointed snout, tiny eyes and a short tail. They weigh 80g and need to eat 50g of worms and grubs a day to survive. To ensure a regular supply, they bite worms in the head to immobilise them, then store them in chambers called ‘fortresses’, dozens at a time. The moles dig and feed in a four-hour sift before resting for four hours, then feeding and digging again.

Moles used to be trapped for their velvety pelts. Thankfully that is no longer the case, but now they are killed because they make a mess of our lawns and golf courses. It is time to cherish the inherent worth of this blameless creature with which we share our world, even if that is sometimes at a small cost to ourselves. It only takes a second to kick over a molehill after all.

Clare Gogerty

Information from ‘Moles’ (Whittet Books) by Dr Rob Atkinson, former Cradley resident.