What dug this hole?

[Greenleaves]

I am also going with fox, may have heard something under there

[Jungle Jane]

Have you put any BFB down,a fox might think there’s something tasty in the soil,if there is a fox.

[Guest]

Is there any poo any where in that area? poo is easier to id than a hole
Also has the smell changed in that area. I used to have a fox where I used to live that destroyed a couple of scented plants but then it would scent the area

[mothhawk]

Wet the soil until it's good and muddy tonight, then check for footprints tomorrow

[chrisdb]

What else was planted around the area of the hole?

Japanese wineberries, gooseberries, red valerian, lady's mantle, and a climbing hydrangea. But it really looks to me like the goal was to go under the fence, not to attack a specific plant.

[chrisdb]

I wouldn't bother with digging in bricks as if it wants to come in it may start another hole further along the fence line. Try chicken wire to start as you would on a chicken run and see if that helps.

I actually wouldn't mind creating a hole myself for passage in a more convenient location if it keeps digging its own. The previous neighbours, for unknown reasons of their own, planted a conifer hedge 50cm from their side of the fence, so they wouldn't even notice. The main issue is that the neighbours have a dog, and if I leave or create a hole it might escape into my garden.

[chrisdb]

If it is a badger it would be digging up stuff like bulbs to eat.

We lose the odd bulb every year, which I've always assumed was mice or squirrels. But we've never had big holes dug under the fence before, or for that matter within the garden, which makes me think it's something new.

[chrisdb]

Have you put any BFB down,a fox might think there’s something tasty in the soil,if there is a fox.

Not anywhere near there. I did use a bit while digging over the soil in the greenhouse, prior to planting out the tomatoes.

[chrisdb]

Is there any poo any where in that area? poo is easier to id than a hole
Also has the smell changed in that area. I used to have a fox where I used to live that destroyed a couple of scented plants but then it would scent the area

I don't think I've seen any new / different poo. We get regular donations from the neighbourhood cats, and from birds such as pigeons. The issue is I'm not enough of a poo-expert to know if fox or badger poo looks significantly different to cat poo or not.

[veggiechicken]

A poo chart https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildl...y/identify-poo

[chrisdb]

Wet the soil until it's good and muddy tonight, then check for footprints tomorrow

Good idea! But there's been nothing over the last couple of nights, so I'd have to turn that corner into a permanent bog just in case...

[chrisdb]

A poo chart https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildl...y/identify-poo

That is quite cool! I'll keep an eye out.

[fishpond]

I reckon it's a fox that dug it.
Easyist way to find out is set a camera up.
You may be surprised at what else is using the route, I was when I set a camera up on mine, so l've left it alone.