As winter temperatures drop across Britain, hedgehogs need help to survive the harsh conditions, and Monty Don has shared simple advice: use fallen leaves to provide essential protection.
In guidance published on his personal gardening blog, the Gardeners' World presenter has outlined how UK gardeners can support hedgehogs as they build up fat reserves for the colder months. The answer, he says, lies in the fallen leaves scattered across gardens, which he calls 'garden gold'.
Making leafmould from fallen leaves
Monty, whose own garden Longmeadow is in Ivington, Herefordshire, explains that he is 'obsessive' about using fallen leaves to make leafmould. Unlike compost, leafmould requires no turning, mixing or knowledge to produce.
He says: "Every fallen leaf is potential leafmould and leafmould which, unlike compost, takes no turning, mixing or knowledge to make, is garden gold."
He adds: "So I am obsessive about making leafmould, gathering as many of the fallen leaves as possible, mowing them to chop them up and then stacking them in a big open heap so they can break down into a lovely rich, crumbly texture and become an essential component of our home-made potting compost."
Leaving cover for hedgehogs
Beyond making leafmould, Monty recommends leaving drifts and piles of leaves under hedges and trees to provide over-wintering cover for hedgehogs, frogs, small mammals and insects, along with stacks of logs and piles of prunings.
He explains: "But I also leave drifts and piles of leaves under hedges and trees to provide over-wintering cover for hedgehogs, frogs, small mammals and insects, along with stacks of logs and piles of prunings - all of which gives essential winter protection for these small creatures that contribute so much to the garden's health."
Setting up a leaf bay early
For those without suitable storage space, Monty advises sorting out a solution early in the month, before the full force of winter takes hold. "A simple bay made from four posts and chicken wire is ideal," he says.
Extra food left in a sheltered and secure location, such as specially formulated hedgehog food, meaty wet cat or dog food, or cat biscuits, alongside fresh water refreshed daily, will also benefit hedgehogs as they prepare for the British winter.
