hedge hog in compost heap

When there was a little hole in my compost heap there were rats inside.

I leave piles of twigs and rubbish lying around all winter in addition to the compost heap to create a safe haven for the frogs, toads and hedgehogs we have. You're not going to need the compost till next spring so don't stick a fork in the heap till then. Rats like dry conditions so they won't be too happy in a wet winter compost heap.