Molehills are one of the most familiar mammal signs, and are the main source of records, but the animal itself is rarely seen. It is widespread and common throughout the county and status is apparently stable. Moles are uncommon in dense woodland but are often found in woodland margins and more open woodland sites. They avoid wetlands for obvious reasons. Moles are also rare on peat moorlands, where earthworms are few, but they follow valleys, roads and shooting tracks up onto the moors, taking advantage of narrow strips of suitable soil. Molehills are regularly seen in the Upper Derwent Valley, Snake Pass and Woodhead Pass, up to elevations in excess of 550m. Clinging & Whiteley (1985) report a sighting of a live mole at 2000 feet (609m) on Bleaklow. Pale and brownish specimens occur sporadically. Many people regard moles as a pest because of perceived damage done to lawns, grasslands and pastures. Professional mole-catchers are now almost non-existent in the county, but moles are still trapped in large numbers by farmers, gardeners, and green-keepers.
[Old local name: moudiewarp, moldiwarp].

More about the mole

Species identification information

Distribution map