COURSES in mole catching are to be offered by the Westmorland Agricultural Society after an apparent proliferation of the pests in the area. Chief executive Rodger Read says the society has decided to run the courses because of the numbers of farmers complaining about mole problems this year.

Mr Read explained that the skills and the chemicals needed to deal with moles were getting harder to come by since changes in the law meant that the poisons could only be bought by people with relevant qualifications.

The one-day courses being offered by the society from February 20 not only provide training in the best way to trap and poison the pests, but also result in a certificate which will entitle holders to buy relevant chemicals. For more information call the Westmorland Agricultural Society on 015396-67804.

February 7, 2003 11:31