Branch pile

Material:

• Accumulating branch wood, for example prunings from hedges, bushes, trees or found along the roadside – size, length and width does not matter; but the more diverse, the better
• Native seeds for ruderal areas
• Optional: stones or rootstocks of different sizes

Structure:

• Pile up branches (at least 80 cm high and should be at least 1 m³ in total)
• Coarse pieces should be placed closer to the ground
• the pile can be heaped in an orderly or disorderly manner
• Pay attention to the spaces in between: thwy cannot be too large, otherwise cats can reach the small animals
• Place fine small branches at the end as a roof over the pile or protect the structure with thorny branches and tendrils

Function:

• Habitat for insects
• Hiding and basking place for lizards and slow worms
• Shelter for hedgehogs and weasels

Location:

• Branch piles can be created in various places, on flat terrain or on slopes
• A sunny and sheltered spot is ideal
• Undisturbed corners in the garden that are not too close to garden paths are suitable
• The substrate must be unsealed to prevent waterlogging

Care:

• Over time, the pile will collapse, then fresh branches can be placed on top of it
• Remove vegetation from the branch pile occasionally

Further links, brochures and leaflets:

Birdlife practical leaflet (in German only)

Small wooden structures for sand lizards  (in German only)

Practical information sheet for woodpiles and berms (in German only)

Branch and leaf piles for hedgehogs & co. (in German only)

Video: Build your own winter quarters for hedgehogs (in German only)