THE mole can be faulted for many things. His old English name, ‘mould-warp’, means ‘earth-thrower’. The soil he carelessly flings around causes damage to farm machinery. The soft hills he creates with his subterranean burrowing endangers the limbs of livestock and horses and brings green keepers and groundsmen out in a cold sweat. His mining slices through the roots of crops and causes flowers to wither and flop. His inconsiderate dirt chucking renders silage unpalatable to cattle and can spread listeria. Defenders counter that he aerates the soil, improves drainage and eats the underground grubs that feed on plants. In Germany, in recognition of his environmental work, the mole is protected by law.
Something both friends and foe can agree on, however, is the mole’s work ethic. The 5in-long creature digs at a rate that puts the hi-tech boring equipment used by Crossrail to shame, excavating 20 yards in
