Leaf pile

Material:

• Accumulated branch wood, for example prunings from hedges, bushes, trees or found along the roadside – rather thin
• Approx. 10 logs or sticks of wood (each 10 cm thick and 1 m long)
• Leaves from native trees (the more, the better)

Structure:

• Spread some of the leaves on the ground as a base (area at least 2m²).
• Place two of the logs parallel on the ground, approx. 30cm apart.
• Place two more logs parallel to the first two at a right angle to the lower ones (should form a square from above (30cmx30cm).
• Place two logs again parallel to each other at a right angle on top of the two upper logs (the distance may be less than 30cm).
• Place the remaining logs as a «roof» on the structure à you should now have a cavity of approx. 30cmx30cmx30cm.
• If necessary, use some branches to reinforce the structure.
• Cover the resulting structure with half of the remaining leaves.
• Spread out most of the branches on the pile to create more stability.
• Pile up the remaining leaves.
• Weigh down the leaves with the remaining branches.

Function:

• Hibernation shelter for hedgehogs and other small animals

Location:

• Branch piles can be created in various places, on flat terrain or on slopes.
• A shady place protected from the wind and weather 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 leaves can be placed on top of the pile

Further links, brochures and leaflets:

Instructions for a pile of branches and leaves (German only)
Hedgehog-friendly garden (German only)
Hedgehog-friendly garden (detailed) (German only)
Video: Building winter quarters for hedgehogs (German only)
Video: Wildlife Gardening for Hedgehogs