UK households urged to pile sticks and leaves in garden this October

Households across the UK are being urged to pile sticks and leaves in their garden this October. It will help deter pests including slugs and snails as well as maintain a healthy garden ecosystem.

Pests can become particularly common in our gardens during autumn as they seek shelter from the cold. They often look for new food sources, such as fallen fruit, as temperatures drop. Slugs can become a particular nuisance for gardeners as they prefer the mild and damp weather. However, gardening experts are advising people to leave leaves and twigs out to deter them this autumn.

According to Holt Garden Centre, piles of leaves and twigs help create a hedgehog-friendly environment. Hedgehogs are a natural pest control as they feed on slugs, snails, caterpillars and beatles.

The garden centre said: "Come Autumn, it's worth leaving some leaves and twigs in an area of your garden for them, and always remember to thoroughly check before starting any bonfires.

"Hedgehogs are a welcome addition to any garden as a natural pest control and are a delight if you can spot them rummaging around at dusk."

The RSPCA added: "Hedgehogs are a gardener's friend, as they eat beetles, caterpillars, worms and other invertebrates."

They continued: "Leave areas of the garden wild, with piles of leaves, logs or compost. These make an attractive nest, as well as a home for the invertebrates that hedgehogs like to eat."

Research shows that the number of hedgehogs in the UK is declining, particularly in rural areas. Their population has decreased by up to 75% since 2000 due to factors including habitat loss, increased road traffic and pesticides.

Hedgehogs are currently listed as "vulnerable" on Britain's Red List of mammals. There are reportedly less than 900,000 remaining across the UK.

As well as leaving out sticks and leaves, gardeners are encouraged to provide a food source for hedgehogs. Holt Garden Centre says "meat-based cat or dog food" works well to attract them.

It is also recommended to leave access holes to attract hedgehogs. Gardeners are advised to make a hole in the bottom of a fence to give them easy garden access.

Hedgehog houses are also an effective way to encourage and keep them in your garden. A simple wooden box can give hedgehogs a place to take shelter and nest.