Molehills ensure the test match is moved to Bremen!

Molehills ensure the test match is moved to Bremen!

An unexpected event recently caused excitement in Ahlhorn: the planned test match between the Werder Bremen women's team and SC Heerenveen was moved from Ahlhorn to Bremen at short notice. The reason? Unsafe space conditions due to numerous molehills, as those responsible in Bremen announced. Martin Gramsch from Ahlhorner SV also commented on this, stating that the game could definitely have taken place in Ahlhorn. However, the course, which belongs to the municipality of Großenkneten, had problems that made it impossible to host the event.

The highlight of the football calendar was originally scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m., but the move to a training pitch next to the Weser Stadium in Bremen led to a new kick-off at 3:15 p.m. The decision speaks to the professionalism of football, which prioritizes safety.

What are molehills?

Molehills, also known as shear mounds, are formed when moles bring up soil while digging tunnels. These mounds form every 50 to 100 centimeters and are usually around 25 centimeters high. Interestingly, the mounds are not located directly above the underground passages, but are pushed up to the sides. These excavated piles of earth not only serve a function for the moles by ensuring ventilation of the tunnels, but are also a sign of healthy soil that supports the establishment of new plants.

For garden owners and sports clubs, however, molehills often mean additional maintenance and increased costs. The deposits can disrupt the appearance of lawns and, in the worst case, cause damage to the turf. If you don't react in a timely manner, bald patches can occur, which severely impair the quality of the lawn because a lack of light prevents the affected patches from regenerating. Therefore, timely removal of mounds before mowing the lawn is crucial.

How do molehills affect sports?

The problem of molehills is particularly relevant with regard to sports facilities. The uneven surfaces can impair safety of use and pose a risk of injury, be it on sports fields or cemeteries. First aid could create horizontal barriers that not only reduce the formation of mounds but could also reduce long-term care costs. Such barriers, when installed correctly, increase turf quality and significantly reduce machine wear.

The case in Ahlhorn makes it clear that the small creature, which for many is nothing more than a vermin, can have a major impact on the sporting landscape. At least those responsible in the region must now have a good hand in both keeping the lawn in good shape and using respectful methods to drive away the moles that ensure healthy soil.

The incident not only concerned players and coaches, but also shows how important environmental factors are in sport. Werder Bremen is flexible and adaptable, and the Ahlhorn team can only hope that their pitches will soon shine again in full splendor, even if the small, furry animal continues to assert its place in the ground.

For those interested readers, there is a lot of exciting information about moles and their importance in nature, which goes beyond the requirements for lawns. If you look at the role of these animals from a different perspective, you might even develop a little compassion.

If you would like to find out more about the background of molehills, you can do so at Wikipedia read up. For the impact on lawns we recommend New landscape. Finally, there are also detailed reports on the game results NWZ Online.