WTF happened to my lawn??? (With photos)

[GingerPigz]

I should perhaps start by saying I am not as gardener by any stretch of the imagination, but I do like to keep a nice tidy lawn. Hadn't been in the garden for a while, so was shocked to discover that something appears to have been digging it up! There are several patches (10 ish) and it makes my lawn look awful. Anyone have any idea what it might be, how I can rectify it and how I can prevent it happening again. The garden is on the side of our house of that is relevant. Thanks

fox or badger digging for grubs.

www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/chafer-grubs-in-lawns

Unusual, dog? Squirrel... Unless there's a gritty bit it's unlikely to be cats but it's possible they'd return to same spot. Can't see from your photo if grass yellowed to indicate animal urine. Weird one.

Crows pecking for worms

Possibly squirrels digging up acorns it hid last Autumn?

It looks a bit missy there, so my vote is crows. They’ve dug up most of the moss on a neighbour’s lawn and a couple of patches on mine.

It’s helpful, really. Lightly rake the moss away and the grass can regrow

Looks MOSSY, not missy, fgs.

Thank you... no urine patches. DH said something about miss when he reluctantly came to have a look. Will have to have a word with the cat about the crows. Will take and check daily going forward

Take a knife and lift the edge of the grass, lift it back and see if there are grabs underneath. It could be leatherjackets (Crane fly grubs). These will eat away at your lawn and need to be eradicated. Nematodes do an excellent job when applied correctly. If you can see crows or starlings on that grass it’s because they are eating the grubs. Let me know if this is the problem and I’l be happy to explain how to use the nematodes.

Sigh, not ‘grabs’ - grubs!

Thank you @Silentbarking ... Jeez, leatherjackets ruined our lawn at our last house. I will definitely check for those (next weekend - currently 2 glasses of Mother's Day Prosecco down) and report back. 🥂

Hah! Always put off next week what can’t be solved today after a glass or two of Prosecco! ☺️

Deffo squirrels looking for their stash. My lawn is exactly the same. I hate them because there's no deterent.

Advancedpie - there is no ‘definite’ about it. The OP is going to explore several options, which is the wise thing to do.

It’s nesting season. That looks like birds collecting nesting material to me. It’ll resolve itself. No need for any special treatment