Pile of leaves and branches

Not everywhere do forests provide sufficient shelter for wildlife. Forests that are too cleaned up are a particular problem. Moreover, since there is far less area for nature and forests as a result of urban sprawl, it is worthwhile to increase the habitat density there. Creating piles of leaves and branches is a great thing to do. Often, forest workers already create small piles of branches (cf. Figures 1 and 3). However, without an insulating layer of foliage, the branch piles are not as attractive as shelter for wildlife. With foliage, piles of branches can be expanded into piles of leaves and branches (cf. Figures 2 and 4).

Figure 1: Pile of branches
Figure 2: Pile of leaves and branches with an insulating layer of foliage
Figure 3: Pile of branches
Figure 4: Pile of leaves and branches with an insulating layer of foliage

A project for children, pupils, scouts and local nature conservation associations would be the creation of piles of leaves and branches (compare Figure 5). Wildlife cameras, or animal tracking methods could also be used to test success. Burrows or holes without spider webs indicate the possible presence of animals.

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Figure 5: Scout group builds a pile of branches and leaves