What is living at the bottom of my garden.

I am not sure if a hedgehog would have the strength to be moving small tree branches but I cannot think of anything else if the cats are not too bothered. The smell of a fox would send them flying.

I would watch the log at sunset and early in the morning. If something is using it as a den or lair they are most likely to be nocturnal. I think that you will see any activity then. I think a hedgehog is unlikely as they cannot move large obstacles. I am intrigued, and will watch for updates with interest.

Its too small for a fox Charleygirl they are only small bits of tree more like twigs really I just wasn't sure if a hedgehog would go to so much trouble to hide I thought they just roll themselves under a pile of leaves... maybe we'll have to get that camera to find out.

My guess would be a hedgehog. Trail cameras are great for wildlife watching.

Hopefully a hedgehog but possibly a vole or stoat? I think rats go down runs into the ground, or a compost bin, and don't surface nest.

A vole or stoat would have a smaller hole than a tin can. Sounds like a confused hedghog to me, who thinks it is still autumn and has only juist started to snuggle down. He/she has picked a nice spot with a solid wood surround and plenty of leaves to keep him/her warm.

The wildlife camera would get some great pictures.

Thanks for all the suggestions I think I'll just let OH get the camera and see what appears...

He'll enjoy himself.

I could maybe buy him it for Christmas but I have no idea what I'm looking for there are so many 'trail cameras' any help at all?

Might be fairies??? (Know nothing about wildlife)

I'll pm you about the one I bought, Tanith I can give you a link to some shots that I put on Youtube.

Thank you Elegran that would be most helpful...

Is the fairy still on your Christmas tree? Ours looks most disgruntled to be woken from her slumber.

Seriously, I would think a large hedgehog, could they push small branches?

Just thought it isn't Santa's Elves is it?

Good idea trisher.. I haven't got my tree and decs down from the loft yet rosequartz.

It sounds like a hedgehog, we had a hedgehog house in our herb garden and it was built out of twigs and small branchlets, in the shape of an igloo. I was very impressed.

Hedgehogs are able to move things around, we used to have a couple in our garden at our old home, and they would push quite heavy dishes about if there was not food left out, and they do like to settle "into" something, so perhaps that is what you have "tanith". Wouldn't it be lovely, though if it were to be fairies and elves. Do you have any toad-stalls?

Does Mushrooms count PRINTMISS? We had lots in November. I'm tempted to make elf doors on the trees nearby for fun.

Like these. www.google.co.uk/search?q=elfish+doors&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwic-Km89urJAhWJNhoKHZoZBCsQsAQIIA#tbm=isch&q=elft+doors+on+trees