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Autumn leaves are mainly broken down by the slow action of fungi rather than by bacteria that decompose other compost bin ingredients quickly, so it's best to compost them separately in a simple cage.The leaves of all deciduous trees make good leaf

to last a few months and is easily replaced if it does break.Wire hanging basket1 pack of FilmglazeDouble-sided tapeScissorsHairdryerautumn - spring10 minutesCover the hanging basket with a piece of the glazing film, attaching it to the rim with double

.Wooden wine crate1.2m length of 15cm x 2cm untreated timber25mm galvanised nails1m length of hosepipeJig saw, drill and hammer25mm drill bitall year roundA couple of hoursStart by making the tunnel for the hedgehog house. Cut the timber into four 30cm lengths

, bamboo canes or old flower stemsWood saw, drill, screws and secateursA mirror fixing for hanging the hotelAll year round1 hourCut the plank into four pieces to make a rectangular frame for the bee hotel. Drill guide holes for the screws and assemble

, ladybirds, lacewings and bees.Untreated timberHollow canes such as bambooPieces of branch or other woodWood saw2.5cm nails and hammerDrill and wood drill bitScrewdriver and self-tapping screwall year round2 hoursMake a simple box using scraps of untreated

nest underground in old mouse or vole burrows - which this project mimics.Flowerpot, 20cm in diameterTube or piping, 30cm length x 1.8cm diameterChicken wireSlate or tileNesting materialall year round30 minutesSelect a generous amount of nesting

SoilCraft knifeall year round1 hourUse a craft knife to make holes about 3 cm across in the sides and base of the bucket.Choose an area of your garden that will not be disturbed and dig a hole to bury the bucket so that its rim is just below soil level. Loosely fill

Many herbal remedies are easy to make at home using home-grown ingredients, providing relief for the symptoms of coughs and colds. This onion and honey solution is a simple remedy for coughs - the onion has antibacterial properties and the honey

, promoting relaxation. Simply add five or six drops to your bath water.500g fresh or 250g dried lavender flowers750ml light olive oilSmall saucepanWooden spoonCoffee filter or muslin bagSmall funnelContainer with lidautumn20 minutesGently wash the lavender

end pieces, adding an extra 1cm along the top edge of each piece to form a lip above the top of the box. Measure the thickness of the slate and add double this to the length of the longer side pieces. If you're using broken slates, you'll need to plan