Moles get marching orders as gardener declares war

A landscape gardener could become Lincoln's first "mole man"– using decades of experience to forge a full time career trapping the creatures.

Stephen Williams, 40, from Mill Road in North Hykeham, became a self taught mole controller after customers complained the mammals were wrecking the new lawns he was laying.

"I've been catching moles for about 20 years," he said. "I started after I found when I was re-turfing gardens and watering them it attracted moles.

"But since they've banned gassing with strychnine 10 years ago the mole population has gone up from around 17 to almost 34 million, so there's more moles than ever.

"While moles are very solitary and only come together when they mate in late spring they can dig over 20 metres of new tunnels a day.

"People are always grateful when you catch them."

Mr Williams uses tunnel traps to deal with the moles – a more humane method which kills the creatures instantly by breaking their neck.

"I'd like to become a full time mole catcher if the work is there," he said.

A spokesman for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Rachel Shaw, said while she could understand a desire to kill moles, the public should think twice before taking the lethal option.

"People should consider if they are causing damage and if it's something they can live with – Don't just automatically call the trappers."

For more information or to contact Mr Williams, see Tuesday's Echo.