Leave dead wood on the ground

It might look messy to us, but logs, branches and leaves on the ground are an important part of a healthy woodland ecosystem. Echidnas and snakes might live inside an old log. Beetles, lizards, and spiders might also make their homes amongst the fallen branches, attracting birds and other predators looking for a meal. The wood and leaves help retain moisture, and are broken down by fungi, bacteria and other microbes, returning nutrients to the soil.