I've just cleared a Honeysuckle bush. Cut it all down to ground level,
just need to remove the routes. It must have been around a while - about 2
metres high and 2 square.

I've found that rather than the ground underneath being flat there is a
noticeable mound into which there are some holes and since I've seen rats
coming from this direction in the past I'm assuming I have a next in the
mound.

The holes don't actually look that used but then I also need to clear a shed
(or the remains of a shed - it's held up by ivy at the moment!) and the
active holes may be in there. So, lets assume there is an active nest and
I start digging it up. I could take a swipe at any rat that shows its face
and I might even get one, or two but I have to assume some will escape.

We're in a rural environment; a cluster of about 8 houses surrounded by
fields which are largely grass. Some of the hedgerows have rabbit holes in
them. Despite that the garden is of a more urban type but bigger (not
acres however).

Where is Mr Rat likely to look for his new home? The compost heap is one
option but I'll turn that in an attempt to put him off. Any other
suggestions? Any suggestions about what to do before I disturb the mound?