Subterranean Heatstroke Blues

Kerry Williams
, 10 August 2026
Subterranean Heatstroke Blues
Mole © Neil Fletcher

By Kerry Williams

Communications Officer - Conservation

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.

Mole © Steve Bottom

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.

Earthworm © Derek Middleton

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.

Leave a comment

Comments

  • Janet:

    Really interesting, thank you.

    13 Aug 2026 10:44:00

  • Clive Granger:

    Very interesting let’s hope for rain

    13 Aug 2026 10:54:00

  • Richard Jenyon:

    I often wondered how our long established moles got on in the bottom of our garden in the dry weather many thanks for this information
    Regards
    Richard Jenyon

    13 Aug 2026 11:20:00

  • Thomas Doria:

    A very interesting article and a nice Dylan reference in the title. Let’s hope a hard rain’s gonna fall soon.

    13 Aug 2026 12:41:00

  • Sussex Wildlife Trust:

    👏

  • Sarah Hall:

    Very sadly, I’ve found 4 dead moles so far this year.

    13 Aug 2026 14:23:00

  • John Hedger:

    Interesting Thanks.Presumably drought rock hard Weald clay on the surface but maybe moisture lower down but maybe the Greensands more of a problem for Moles as must dry out to depth?

    13 Aug 2026 15:09:00

  • Ajaz Sheikh:

    Interesting and very informative article. Thanks a lot.

    13 Aug 2026 16:25:00

  • Ellen Portess:

    I love moles, thank you for your advice about their care

    13 Aug 2026 21:57:00

  • Lynne Ismail:

    Interesting and very concerning

    14 Aug 2026 01:24:00

  • Nikki Williams:

    I have heard from a school groundsman how the poor moles surface and die in this awful drought – it seems there’s nothing to be done to help them😔

    14 Aug 2026 05:31:00

  • Virginia Pullan:

    It breaks my heart that farmers and gardeners still think it is necessary to kill moles. it will not be long before they are a threatened species and we are trying to protect them.

    14 Aug 2026 08:09:00

  • Liz:

    I know moles can be seen as a pest, but I always admire how something so small can leave such an impact! I do hope lots of them survive.

    16 Aug 2026 07:40:00

  • Ian butler:

    How many tunnels can a one mole go down before he calls himself a Mole. (Alternatively she/herself).

    17 Aug 2026 19:36:00

  • Alan Walker:

    Rock hard the soil is here. Across town a friend has moles – well in previous years

    18 Aug 2026 18:37:00

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