In autumn, nature changes noticeably. Leaves change colour, flowers disappear and plants make seeds. Plants that grew close together in summer lose their leaves and partly die back. Where the ground becomes bare, sunlight falls directly onto the soil.
Animal life also changes. Many butterflies, flies and beetles that flew around in summer die in autumn. But first, they lay eggs or make sure their offspring can survive the winter. The next generation overwinters as eggs, larvae or pupae, depending on the species.
Things start to decompose in many places. Fallen leaves, stems and dead insects become food for fungi and bacteria. These natural materials are then broken down into nutrients in the soil. Plants take up these nutrients again the following year.
Leaves on the ground provide shelter and food for insects. This attracts animals that are preparing for winter. Hedgehogs are still active at this time: they eat a lot and look for shelter among leaves and branches. They use what autumn provides to get them through the winter.
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