Broccoli raider but who is it?

[Catherine]

The chap on the next plot to us came to see me yesterday to ask if I could go and look at a problem he had with his broccoli. (He is 85 yrs old)

He had planted 6 broccoli plants out (under soft netting draped over corner posts) and when he came to them yesterday ALL the leaves had been taken off and carried to the edge of the netting and collected all together in a pile.

He had put planks of wood placed all round the netting so nothing could get in and nothing could get out.

He had one pot on the side which was not under the netting and it had taken that one as well. But his cabbages further down his plot had not been touched.

Any ideas from anyone.

[Monika]

I would suggest a wood mouse, Catherine, which could have burrowed under the netting and boards. We have seen a mouse collecting currants put out for blackbirds and piling them up. They also collect leaves (usually dried ones) to build their nests.

[Catherine]

Thanks Monika I will tell him when I see him at the week end.