Brits are being warned to avoid clearing up their gardens this week to protect wildlife ahead of the cold snap.
Garden boss and founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, Chris Bonnett is encouraging Britons to leave fallen leaves and other debris alone to provide a safe haven for wildlife.
After a cold start to the year, gardeners are being told that leaving piles of fallen leaves in their gardens can provide hedgehogs and other wildlife with warmth and shelter.
During autumn and winter, wildlife needs extra support due to the drop in temperatures changing their environment and survival strategies.
Wildlife will be looking for warmth and shelter to protect themselves from the cold and not raking fallen leaves is a simple and easy way for Britons to help support animals during this time.
Bonnett shares that simply leaving one spot in your garden untidy and untouched is enough to provide wildlife with a bit of warmth and shelter.
Chris Bonnett said: “It’s been a cold start to the year with plenty of frosty days over the past few weeks.
“Wildlife needs our help during the autumn and winter more than ever and you can help them by simply leaving one area of your garden untouched.
“We’re encouraging gardeners to leave a small pile of leaves in their gardens as a simple act of kindness to our animals.
“This is a really easy way to help out our furry friends and it takes virtually no effort!
“When you do decide to clear up the leaves it’s important to be mindful before raking them in case there is wildlife nesting there.
“Gently move the leaves and listen out for any movement, if you sense that wildlife is present it’s best to leave the pile untouched.”