What is digging my raised flower bed?

BirdHerdLiss · May 2022

Hi everyone,

Today we’ve noticed something has been digging in our raised flower bed, this has happened twice during the day.

Just wondering if anyone knows what it could be and how I can prevent it?

Thanks!

Fairygirl · May 2022

Rats, rabbits, squirrels, birds. Any or all of those can make holes. Usually looking for food

mikeymustard · May 2022

And cats, dogs, badgers, pigs, children 🙂

Woodgreen · May 2022

Blackbirds when feeding their young can make a heck of a mess sometimes searching for grubs, worms etc. so it could be that? In which case just try putting twiggy bits around vulnerable plants to discourage them.
I think they tend to go for the base of plants as it's often damper there, so more chance of finding insects.
I would try to keep an eye on it in the hope you might spot the culprit. The hole does look rather more 'dug' than 'pecked' but it's difficult to know for sure.

Fairygirl · May 2022

mikeymustard said:

children 🙂

aye - and they eat more worms than anything else

BirdHerdLiss · May 2022

Thanks everyone, I know there’s blackbirds around as they’re in my garden everyday getting worms from the lawn. There’s a few cats about aswell. There’s been a squirrel but not seen it for a while.
And really hope it’s not children as we’ve only got a newborn so I’d be scared if she’s been going in the garden and digging haha 😆

I’ll keep my eye on it to see if I see anything.

februarysgirl · May 2022

I had blackbirds digging enormous holes in my raised beds. Wouldn't have believed it had I not seen them doing it!

Bruceandmal222 · May 2022

Blackbirds have been digging up anything that looks as though it might be food. But also squirrels can do the same.

Plantminded · May 2022

Topping your raised bed with a mulch of grit, gravel or decorative stones or pebbles could help to protect your plants' roots - but don't use bark, the blackbirds will have even more fun!