Hedgehog conservationists warn against excessive autumn garden cleaning

Conservationists are warning gardeners against the excessive removal of fallen autumn leaves, noting that leaf litter provides essential nutrients for soil and vital shelter for wildlife.

The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has highlighted that hedgehog populations in the United Kingdom have declined significantly, dropping by approximately half since 2007. With fewer than one million individuals remaining, the species is now considered vulnerable.

Experts advise leaving piles of leaves in quiet, unused corners of gardens to serve as life-saving habitats during the autumn and winter months. They also warn that cleaning or burning leaf piles without checking them first can lead to the accidental death of hedgehogs seeking refuge.