A Life in Nature

1. The Art of Molecatching: A Reflection on Nature and Humanity

"I have caught moles in pastures, sports fields, tiny city gardens and immense rolling country estates, and no matter what the land is used for by humans, it is mole territory, and catching them is always the same."

Molecatching as metaphor. The practice of molecatching serves as a lens through which the author examines the relationship between humans and nature. It reflects our desire to control our environment while simultaneously highlighting our place within the natural world.

Skills and philosophy. Successful molecatching requires:

• Patience and observation
• Understanding of mole behavior and habitat
• Respect for the natural world
• Acceptance of the cycle of life and death

The author's approach to molecatching becomes a philosophical exploration of life, death, and our place in the ecosystem.

2. The Mole's World: Underground Life and Behavior

"Moles are immensely strong. His massive hands, each of which have two thumbs, are as wide as his head. He has a thick knot of muscle in his neck and shoulders which is as hard as a pebble."

Mole anatomy and adaptations. Moles are uniquely adapted for their underground lifestyle:

• Powerful hands for digging
• Velvety fur that allows movement in any direction
• Highly sensitive nose for detecting prey
• Poor eyesight but excellent hearing and sense of touch

Underground ecosystem. The mole's world is a complex network of tunnels and chambers:

• Feeding tunnels for hunting worms and insects
• Deeper, permanent tunnels for travel and shelter
• Nesting chambers for raising young
• "Fortresses" built by breeding females in certain conditions

Understanding the mole's world provides insights into the intricate balance of nature and the adaptations of creatures to their specific niches.

3. The Wanderer's Journey: From Homelessness to Self-Discovery

"When I was sleeping with the birds I felt that I was the same as the wild animals I slept with; we were engaged in the same activities for the same reasons. We were all just going about our business."

Embracing solitude. The author's experience of homelessness and wandering becomes a journey of self-discovery and connection with nature. This period of his life teaches him:

• The difference between wants and needs
• The value of simplicity and minimalism
• The power of observation and stillness

Lessons from nature. Living outdoors, the author learns:

• To read the landscape and weather
• To find shelter and food in the wild
• To coexist with animals and plants
• To appreciate the cycle of seasons and life

This period of wandering shapes the author's philosophy and approach to life, influencing his later career as a molecatcher and gardener.

4. The Cycle of Life and Death in Nature

"Nature produces millions of everything and it fills in all the gaps. Nature doesn't care about a single individual; it is easy to just make more, billions more."

Nature's balance. The author observes the constant cycle of life and death in nature:

• Predators and prey in a delicate balance
• The role of decay in nurturing new life
• The impermanence of individual creatures

Human perspective. This observation leads to reflections on:

• The meaning of life and death
• The value of individual existence
• The interconnectedness of all living things

The author's work as a molecatcher forces him to confront these cycles directly, leading to a deeper understanding of nature and our place within it.

5. The Ethics of Pest Control and Environmental Stewardship

"I was aware that the moles were going to be curbed by somebody. I wondered if there were ways other than killing them. I knew that somebody would be called on to do it, and I wondered if that person could be me."

Ethical dilemmas. The author grapples with the moral implications of pest control:

• The necessity of controlling mole populations in certain areas
• The search for humane methods of control
• The balance between human needs and animal welfare

Environmental responsibility. The author's approach to molecatching emphasizes:

• Minimal disruption to the ecosystem
• Respect for the animals, even as they are trapped
• Education of clients about mole behavior and ecology

This ethical approach to pest control reflects a broader philosophy of environmental stewardship and respect for nature.

6. The Power of Solitude and Connection with Nature

"At some point on a long walk you stop being who you thought you were, but you don't question it because the questions stop too. I became for a while just steps and breathing."

Solitude as transformation. The author's experiences of solitude in nature lead to profound personal changes:

• Dissolution of ego and social identity
• Deep connection with the natural world
• Heightened awareness and sensory perception

Nature as teacher. Through solitude in nature, the author learns:

• The value of silence and stillness
• The beauty of impermanence and change
• The interconnectedness of all living things

These experiences shape the author's worldview and approach to his work, informing his practice of molecatching and gardening.

7. The Evolution of Molecatching: From Ancient Rome to Modern Times

"The British Isles saw the first molecatchers around 54BC: they were Romans who didn't want their grapevines and other crops uprooted by moles: they wanted to grow unspoiled flower gardens."

Historical perspective. Molecatching has a long and varied history:

• Ancient Roman origins
• Medieval molecatchers as traveling wise men
• Victorian era professional molecatchers
• Modern pest control methods

Technological evolution. Molecatching techniques have evolved:

• From simple stick and string traps to modern spring-loaded devices
• From folk remedies to scientific understanding of mole behavior
• From indiscriminate poisoning to more targeted and humane methods

This history reflects changing attitudes towards nature, pest control, and environmental stewardship.

8. The Impact of Human Activity on Wildlife and Ecosystems

"The hedgehogs, toads and frogs that I shared my leaf litter with when I was a wandering boy are slowly disappearing because of pesticides, and their fields and woodlands are being turned into houses and roads."

Habitat loss. Human development has profound effects on wildlife:

• Destruction of natural habitats
• Fragmentation of ecosystems
• Displacement of animal populations

Chemical impacts. Modern agricultural and pest control practices affect wildlife:

• Pesticides harming non-target species
• Soil degradation affecting underground ecosystems
• Water pollution affecting aquatic life

The author's observations over time highlight the need for more sustainable approaches to land use and pest control.

9. The Importance of Letting Go and Embracing Change

"Healing is not about re-making things as they once were, healing is about acceptance and forgiveness and love and growth and beginning again."

Acceptance of impermanence. The author's experiences teach him the value of:

• Letting go of attachments
• Embracing change as a natural part of life
• Finding beauty in decay and renewal

Personal growth. This philosophy informs the author's approach to:

• Aging and physical changes
• Career transitions and life changes
• Relationships with family and nature

The author's journey from wanderer to molecatcher to contemplative writer exemplifies this philosophy of acceptance and growth.

Last updated: December 7, 2024