galleries and umtitumps

In the early summer, when the hedgerows are white with May (the blossom of the hawthorn), the scent of which is heavy upon the breeze, and the birds singing lustily above, the spirit of the times is felt even underground by the mole—the blind miner whose senses are so keen it triggers him to start breeding in earnest.

The Mole, clad in black velvet is very common, driving its underground tunnel system (galleries) far and wide, throwing up hillocks of soil called ‘umtitumps’, the larger of the group being its sleeping quarters or nest, commonly known as ‘the fortress’. During winter this is also used as his larder. His world is one of feeling, smelling and hearing.  He is completely subterranean, feeding on beetles, leatherjackets and earthworms (the latter of which there are 23 types but only 4 of which cast).  His saliva contains toxins that paralyse the worms. Their galleries are constantly being extended into the characteristic molehills we see.

What a remarkable little fellow he is, with his velvet fur, cylindrical body and those extremely strong forepaws which are enormously strong, like two well made shovels. They breed between March and May.  Outside of the breeding season they remain solitary creatures.  They have an area of pink skin on their nose covered in pimples which enables them to detect movement and the scent of prey or other moles.

They store many hundreds of worms in the autumn by cleaving them in half. These worms will stay alive through till spring ensuring a ready supply of fresh food for the mole.

The best place to study moles is in the woods and fields. They recycle soil which is weed free (maiden soil) and is ideal for us to use for top dressing our lawns; it is also a wonderful medium for seed propagation.

The mole living in a dugout has no real use for eyes; however, he can distinguish between day and night.  Young moles are independent at two months old and are sent above ground by their mother to venture away in search of their own area. This is the best time to study this secretive creature.

It is not widely known that King William III, better known as William of Orange died in 1702 from Pneumonia, a complication of a fractured collar bone following a fall from his beloved horse Sorrel, who stumbled after placing his foot in a mole hill.  His death was celebrated by the Jacobite’s who toasted the ‘little gentleman in the black velvet waistcoat.’ 

The Mole.