Autumn

Turn fallen leaves, seed heads and woody material into shelter and food instead of clearing everything away.

This season

Five gentle jobs with real value.

Choose what fits your space. Doing one task thoughtfully is more useful than trying to overhaul the whole garden at once.

Create leaf piles in quiet corners.

Leave seed heads standing for birds and insects.

Plant suitable hedges, shrubs and spring-flowering bulbs.

Check bonfire piles thoroughly before lighting or moving them.

Clean nest boxes after the breeding season when appropriate.

Build habitat