[Aidy]

Looks like I am the odd one out (nothing new there(never follow the masses))
One reason is those who do cover over winter tend to be the most complaining of slugs and snails the following spring as it creates a lovely protected enviroment for the to hibanate. Secondly during winter not that many weeds actually grow due to low temps.
I tend to use green manure which will out compete any weeds then dug in come spring.

Interesting that a simple question can have so many different answers... just shows the diversity of approach growers take doesn't it?

Oh yes, we often say to newbies dont ask 10 people the same question as you wll get 10 different answers 
Havng said that as I alwys say to my daughters "you dont know till you try it"!

[snowdrops]

 No diggers just cover with composted mulch, there’s nothing for the slugs t & wood lice to eat so they b@gger orf. The worms dig it for you & all the micro organisms get to do their stuff without being disturbed

[mumofstig]

No diggers just cover with composted mulch, there’s nothing for the slugs t & wood lice to eat so they b@gger orf. The worms dig it for you & all the micro organisms get to do their stuff without being disturbed

Are you saying that you think, dug/forked over soil plus a covering of compost or manure, provide more food for slugs and wood lice, than the same thing on undug soil? 
The worms & micro organisms also do their stuff under my covers, as well.

[snowdrops]

No diggers just cover with composted mulch, there’s nothing for the slugs t & wood lice to eat so they b@gger orf. The worms dig it for you & all the micro organisms get to do their stuff without being disturbed

Are you saying that you think, dug/forked over soil plus a covering of compost or manure, provide more food for slugs and wood lice, than the same thing on undug soil? 
The worms & micro organisms also do their stuff under my covers, as well.

No I’m not saying that, it’s the composted part of it that is key. I’ve used membrane in the past & probably will use it again but it does give a hiding place for them

[mumofstig]

Ah, see what you mean now