Foxes do it, they're looking for grubs which feed on grass roots, infact, badgers do it too.
The foxes do it here, to mine.

Voles also are there any weird tracks?

Many thanks Louise1, the holes are far to small, maximum 2" for foxes, we do have them and there come around in the evening to check if I have left the chicken run open.

Many thanks Ddc26. You could be right, however, I am unsure what a vole looks like so will check out the books, I think they are all black. Since I posted my question, I have seen what looks like a small mouse on the lawn, might be a baby. Thanks for your comments and by the way, love the pond

I'm confused .... you said the holes are 1"-2" in diameter, well those ARE the size holes that the foxes dig.
I have them doing it here - seen them do it !

Thanks Vic, Voles look a bit like mice but darker. Sounds though if you have chickens that Louise might be right?

I think it is badgers, they also dig up lawns for worms as has been said they make a right mess and up and go as fast as they came!! This has happened to my friend and we just walked over the lawn to press the grass back into place and watered well, its fine now.

1" to 2" means one to two inches, Louise, not feet...

So what is making the holes?

A small rodent, as you suggested, Drc, is what I think Vic thinks it is. Those holes are too small for badgers and foxes, though I wonder about birds looking for chafer or leatherjacket grubs...

Thanks Bamboo

Bamboo, that's what i said - 1-2" ...... but Vicdonaldson was being a bit confusing - he said that was too small .... but it's not, i get them making the very same tracks here.

Voles make small holes and leave tracks Louise and thats why I asked. They left an awful mess of holes and tracks one year on the edge of my lawn. But I thought you might be on the right track as foxes go for chickens etc.