Monty Don shares how we can protect hedgehogs in gardens this autumn

British gardening expert Monty Don has shared his crucial October tasks - and one is particularly beneficial for small creatures like hedgehogs.

The 70-year-old offering his advice in a blog last year, and it remains just as pertinent now that autumn has returned.

Monty confessed to being 'obsessive' about making leafmould, an invaluable natural soil conditioner produced by compressing damp leaves. While he emphasised its 'crumbly texture' as an 'essential component' for creating homemade compost, there may be another advantage for many garden inhabitants.

According to the Mirror, he wrote: "So I am obsessive about making leafmould, gathering as many of the fallen leaves as possible, mowing them to chop them up and then stacking them in a big open heap so they can break down into a lovely rich, crumbly texture and become an essential component of our home-made potting compost.

"But I also leave drifts and piles of leaves under hedges and trees to provide over-wintering cover for hedgehogs, frogs, small mammals and insects, along with stacks of logs and piles of prunings - all of which gives essential winter protection for these small creatures that contribute so much to the garden's health."

Despite being beloved animals in Britain, hedgehogs are critically dwindling. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) reports that nearly 50% of the UK's hedgehog population has disappeared over the past 13 years.

Sadly, the hedgehog is now close to extinction in the UK, with no more than 900,000 remaining, according to estimates. That's a sharp decline from 30 million in the 1950s.

If you're keen to lend a hand in protecting these spiky little creatures, the RHS also suggests providing them with some food. It's advised to do this even if you're uncertain they inhabit your garden, as they could be nearer than you imagine.

Olivia Drake, Science & Horticulture Editor at RHS, previously explained: "This is especially important in early autumn, when hedgehogs need to fatten up to get them through their long, cold winter hibernation. Try putting out tinned meaty dog or cat food. If you're worried about cats or foxes taking the food, place it inside an upturned box with an entrance hole cut out."

Meanwhile, Principal Ecologist, Leo Plevin of Arbtech, also recently advised: "Hedgehogs are disappearing before our own eyes, but the good news is that families can make a real difference.

"Small things like leaving out a bowl of water, creating a gap in your fence, or even just leaving a pile of leaves in your garden can all help hedgehogs to thrive. Hibernation is a dangerous time for hedgehogs, but the smallest helping hand could ensure thousands make it through to spring."