Subterranean Heatstroke Blues
By Kerry Williams: Communications Officer – Conservation, Sussex Wildlife Trust
This summer has been a tad warm. We’ve been seeking shade, suddenly all too aware of the importance of the cover of trees and a faint leaf-fanned breeze. Whilst we sweat in our gardens, another struggle is taking place, under loungers and paddling pools, in baked earth. The heat is a challenge for our wildlife, and our subterranean friends are no different.
Moles have large spade-shaped digging paws to enable them to move through thick soil and are additionally equipped for underground life by velvety fur that sits in either direction to allow for easy reversing. Their tunnels, sometimes used for generations, are habitual to the mostly solitary-living Moles, who whizz around them like little fuzzy subway trains.
But it’s a different story when the ground is too dry; it becomes impenetrable. Additionally, the Mole’s prey of earthworms and other soft-bodied invertebrates like beetle larvae are in short supply or will move deeper underground in search of moisture and cooler soil. Moles can prep for drought somewhat; a toxin in their saliva can paralyse earthworms, which they store in larders in deeper chambers, but these are finite.
With Moles needing to eat 50% of their body weight every day, and living an almost exclusively underground life, the situation is making them hungry, dehydrated, and desperate. Many are being found above ground in the daytime, where they can quickly fall foul of heat exhaustion or predation from birds of prey or pet cats.
It can seem rather hopeless – but you can help. Providing water in gardens and outdoor spaces aids wildlife all year round, but especially during times of water stress and drought. Creating shade is also hugely beneficial and could be the difference between a Mole’s home being manageable, or impossible.
Moles are a gardener’s friend, taking care of plant-munching slugs, and aerating soils with their digging, which supports garden drainage. The excess soil Moles excavate can be used elsewhere in the garden, a far easier way of coping with molehills than trying to interfere. If disturbed, Moles are likely to start excavating in another spot, so a hands-off approach means fewer molehills for you, and less energy expended by the Moles.
When it finally rains, rejoice. Those expert diggers can put their paws to use, feed up on plump juicy meals, and once again manoeuvre below our feet with ease, keeping the soil, which we so depend on, healthy and resilient.