Many people simply throw leaves from the garden into the organic waste bin. Do not think that the leaves provide shelter for many animals in winter. Hedgehogs in particular are dependent on the protective piles.
Autumn makes for beautifully colored trees – but also a lot of work when the leaves have fallen. Like it or not, owners must deal with all of the leaves that have fallen on the lawn, sidewalk, and roof gutters.
The simplest method is to simply dump the collected leaves into the organic waste bin or to have them ready for collection in special bags. But this is not ecological, because the leaves serve as protection for many animals in winter. Hedgehogs in particular need a protective and warming roof made of leaves for their hibernation.
However, you cannot simply leave the leaves lying around. The rain gutters must be cleared of leaves in any case if they are to continue to drain the rainwater. Residents are even legally obliged to clean the sidewalk. Leaves should also be removed from the lawn. A continuous surface of leaves clogs the lawn and brown areas are formed. In addition, the work is only postponed because the leaves will certainly not be composted by spring.
Foliage protects
You shouldn’t wait too long to sweep it up, otherwise you run the risk that a family of hedgehogs has already gone to rest under a place with thick leaves. It is better if the leaves are swept up early and piles of leaves are piled up in protected places for the hedgehogs. Make sure that the foliage is not overly wet and that it is protected from direct rain. A clumped, wet pile of leaves offers no protection.
It is just as useful to create nesting opportunities for insects out of old wood in the spring. The hedgehogs also benefit from this; like many animals, they suffer from the dramatic decline in insects.
Children also have fun in both jobs; they are usually happy to do an ecological, good deed in a playful way. The piles can certainly be prepared “comfortably” with a roof made of small boards.
Hedgehogs don’t just retreat under the leaves. They also look for cavities in hedges or garden sheds. The main thing is that they lie quietly and that there is some protection and warmth. Piles of leaves are particularly interesting, however. As soon as the leaves or other garden debris start to decompose, they will also give off some heat. You can buy special hedgehog houses in garden centers or build them yourself.
Hedgehogs do not give milk
Hedgehogs usually don’t need any further help or food. Milk is still popular in a bowl, because the hedgehogs lick up the liquid with pleasure. But unfortunately the animals get diarrhea from it – so no milk. Should you take in a sick animal or take care of a hedgehog that wandered around after the snowfall, you have to switch to other food. There is special hedgehog food for the hedgehogs, but also canned cat food, eggs or some banana and avocado are given to the hedgehog.
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