Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don has shared straightforward advice for helping hedgehogs survive the British winter, recommending that gardeners collect fallen leaves to create leafmould, which he describes as 'garden gold'.
As temperatures drop across Britain, hedgehogs are among the most vulnerable garden visitors, needing to build fat reserves to endure the freezing season. With limited food sources and inadequate shelter, winter is a brutally challenging time for much of the UK's garden wildlife.
Fallen Leaves as 'Garden Gold'
In guidance published on his personal gardening blog, Monty Don revealed how to provide hedgehogs with 'essential winter protection'. The solution lies in the fallen foliage scattered throughout gardens, which he calls 'garden gold'.
Describing himself as 'obsessive' about using fallen leaves to make leafmould, the horticulturist outlined simple methods that UK gardeners, or anyone with outdoor space, can use to help hedgehogs prepare for winter. His own garden, Longmeadow, in Ivington, Herefordshire, is widely regarded as among the finest in the UK.
How to Make Leafmould
Monty explains: "Every fallen leaf is potential leafmould and leafmould which, unlike compost, takes no turning, mixing or knowledge to make, is garden gold."
He continues: "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."
Providing Over-Wintering Cover
Monty explains how this benefits hedgehogs: "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."
For those without suitable storage space, Monty advises finding a solution early in the month, well before the full force of winter arrives. "A simple bay made from four posts and chicken wire is ideal," according to Britain's favourite gardener.
Any additional food placed in a sheltered and secure location, including specially formulated hedgehog food, meaty wet cat or dog food, or cat biscuits, alongside fresh water replenished daily, will prove invaluable to these creatures as they ready themselves for the British winter.
