Deer, oh dear...

They may look striking in the wild, but they can wreak havoc in gardens: Bob reflects on the derring-do of deer

- Bob Flowerdew

ALTHOUGH mostly we love and want to encourage wildlife, some animals are less desirable in our own gardens. Obviously, rats and mice have never been welcome. Other dubious guests include voles, moles, grey squirrels and wood pigeons. All are considered downright troublesome due to the damage they cause.

Their proportions change: wood pigeons have become much more numerous in recent years, and flocks can decimate brassicas crops. Badger problems also seem to have increased, and are hard to deal with as we’re not allowed to harm these, nor even bar their entry.