My dad used to catch dozens of tree rats every year in his one trap in the garden. Llani's local "squirrel woman" used to feed the damn things and they had to travel through our garden to get to hers from Penrallt woods. They were so prevalent that they wore a groove in the top of a hedge.

He used to dispatch them by plunging the trap in a tank of water until one day an RSPCA Inspector called in, no doubt tipped off by "squirrel woman". They were happy with him shooting, strangling or hitting them over the head with a bishop or similar, but not drowning them.

My dad is no longer with us but a friend who lives next door to "squirrel woman" has taken up the cause and has shot over 300 this year.

Nadolig Llawen Moley and good hunting in 2021