Dead Wood = Good Wood: The Importance of Letting Things Rot

If you’ve been following my rewilding ramblings, you’ll know I’m all about bringing nature back—wildflowers, buzzing bees, and birdsong galore. But rewilding isn’t just about planting things; sometimes, it’s about leaving things. Enter deadwood—the underrated hero of any wild space! And no, this isn’t just an excuse for me to leave a pile of logs in the garden and call it conservation (although it’s a handy perk...)

I typed in "Rotting Log Hero" into Google and it came up with this. I don't know what I was expecting honestly...

When you think of a healthy garden or woodland, you probably picture lush greenery, buzzing bees, and birds singing in the trees. But what about the bits that aren’t so lively? The fallen logs, the crumbling branches, the moss-covered stumps slowly being devoured by time? Turns out, these are just as important—if not more active—than the pretty flowers and perfectly pruned shrubs.

Nostalgia can be found on Aisle 3

I learned this the hard way as a kid back when summers were long and Nevins shop was a thing in Rainford village (I'm simultaneously showing my age and appealing to Rainfordians with that statement), back when every stick on the ground had the potential to be the perfect sword. One day, after a lengthy search, I found it: the Excalibur of twigs—flawless in length, weight, and balance, it was straight, had handguards and a pommel, King Arthur would have been chewing on his beard out of jealousy. The slight squishiness? Probably nothing to worry about. 

My best mate Ant wielded his own mighty weapon—he favoured a club over a swishy (squishy?) stick like me. We engaged in the clash of the titans, charging at each other whilst shouting our defiance, our wooden blades meeting in a fierce duel!

Unfortunately, my Excalibur exploded on impact, showering us both in an untold number of woodlice. The heroic screams of battle turned into the pathetic screams of "they're down my shirt!!"

Turns out, the mightiest swords aren’t forged in fire but in fungus.

Honestly, at this point I think you can find literally anything on the internet

Victory? Maybe. Biological warfare wasn’t technically against the rules, and since I got caught in the blast too, let’s call it a glorious act of mutual destruction. I think fondly of that moment because as 37-year-olds it’s kind of frowned upon/ considered odd to beat each other with sticks...

So, after alienating the youth, non-Rainfordians and those who still beat each other with sticks over 30, let’s talk about the magic of letting things rot, why deadwood is the unsung hero of the natural world, and how a pile of logs can be more alive than you think.

1. The Hidden Wildlife Hotel: Who Lives in Deadwood?

It might just look like a pile of soggy twigs to you, but to a huge number of creatures, a rotting log is a five-star hotel with an all-you-can-eat buffet. Beetles, fungi, mosses, and lichens all set up shop in decomposing wood, while birds like woodpeckers, wrens, and tawny owls use hollowed-out trees for nesting. Even hedgehogs, frogs, and newts hide in damp log piles, enjoying the cool, shaded retreat—essentially their version of a luxury spa.

Some creatures rely on deadwood for their entire life cycle. Take the stag beetle, one of the UK’s largest and most impressive beetles. Its larvae can spend up to seven years munching away inside rotting wood before emerging as the mighty, antler-faced adult. The noble chafer beetle is another rare species that depends on decaying fruit trees, while the pine hoverfly, one of the UK’s most endangered insects, lays its eggs in water-filled rot holes in fallen pines. Without deadwood, these species simply wouldn’t exist.

But it’s not just the creepy crawlies making the most of this free real estate. Bats swoop in to feast on beetles, and birds of prey like owls and kestrels rely on the small mammals that scurry through decomposing logs. Even the willow tit, one of the UK’s most endangered birds, only nests in decaying wood. Removing every fallen branch or stump isn’t just tidying up—it’s evicting entire food chains from your garden. So, if anyone questions your ‘untidy’ garden, just tell them you’re “running a luxury eco-resort for endangered species.” But make sure to slowly turn and gesticulate in a regal manner towards the rotting mess whilst you say it.

Turns out researching "Willow Tits" at work can get you a meeting with HR...

Here in the North West, we’ve got some fantastic (and often overlooked) deadwood specialists. The northern wood ant, a keystone species, builds massive nests using twigs and rotting wood, helping to aerate the soil and control insect populations. The noctule bat, one of the UK’s largest bats, often roosts in old trees, hunting insects above woodland clearings. And let’s not forget the lesser spotted woodpecker, a rare visitor that relies on decaying trees to drum out nesting holes. These creatures and countless others prove that deadwood isn’t just full of life—it’s practically throwing a wild party.

Tidy gardens are lovely, sure. But if you clear away every fallen branch, you’re basically bulldozing the local wildlife’s housing estate and wondering why the tenants have moved out. A well-placed log pile doesn’t just support bugs—it supports an entire hidden web of life, from tiny fungi to the birds of prey circling overhead. 

2. The Natural Recycling System: How Rot Feeds the Ecosystem

Nature has a built-in clean-up crew, and deadwood is where they get to work. Fungi and bacteria break down wood, slowly returning nutrients to the soil. Think of it as nature’s slow-release compost, constantly feeding the next generation of plants. Without this process, forests and gardens would be nutrient-starved, and the whole system would grind to a halt.

But decomposition isn’t instant—it’s a multi-stage process that supports different species at every step. Once a tree falls, the clock starts ticking on a decades-long transformation. Its like natures slow cooker, turning that tough gristly meat into some tender and delicious pulled pork… I’m simultaneously hungry and don’t think I’ll be able to look at pulled pork the same way again now…

Stage 1: The Fresh Fall (0-2 years) In the beginning, bark stays relatively intact, providing shelter for small mammals like hedgehogs and amphibians such as frogs and toads. Early colonizers like turkey tail fungi, jelly ear fungi, and bracket fungi begin breaking down lignin and cellulose, the structural components of wood. At the same time, common sexton beetles and cardinal beetles move in to lay eggs, with their larvae feeding on the softening wood.

Stage 2: The Breakdown Begins (3-7 years) As the wood softens further, wood-boring beetles, centipedes, and woodlice carve through it, tunnelling as they feed. These tunnels aerate the decaying matter and provide nesting and feeding spaces for other insects. Mosses, such as capillary thread-moss, take hold, helping to retain moisture. Birds like treecreepers and nuthatches start pecking through, searching for insects. This stage is crucial for species like the willow tit, which needs rotting wood to nest in.

Stage 3: The Hollow Haven (8-15 years) By this point, large sections of the log will have collapsed, creating hollow spaces that offer prime real estate for ants, solitary bees, and burrowing grubs. The log becomes sponge-like, holding moisture for fungi and mosses to thrive. Insects living in the decaying wood attract predators like bats, owls, and even rare lesser spotted woodpeckers.

Stage 4: Back to the Earth (15+ years) Eventually, the wood crumbles into rich, dark humus—supercharging the soil with nutrients and fuelling new plant growth. What started as a single fallen tree has now become the foundation for an entirely new cycle of life.

Rotting wood also acts as a natural water reservoir, storing moisture that helps sustain plants and animals through dry periods. It’s like having a free, low-maintenance irrigation system—except this one comes with bonus mushrooms (some edible, some very much not, so maybe don’t go snacking unless you know what you’re doing).

With this information now at your fingertips, you might find yourself doing what I often do on walks—picking up a log or stick and trying to guess how old it is. Watching the bugs pootle around on and under it. Then suddenly realizing your better half is calling you, having lost track of where you wandered off to!

"KAAAAAT?! Where are you?!"

3. How to Add Deadwood to Your Garden Without It Looking Like a Junkyard

Deadwood is a fantastic way to encourage biodiversity, but the key is to make it look like a thoughtful garden feature rather than a pile of discarded branches. With a little planning, you can integrate deadwood into your landscape in an aesthetically pleasing way that benefits both wildlife and your garden’s overall design. Here are some creative approaches:

Log Piles with Purpose

Instead of haphazardly dumping logs, arrange them in an intentional manner. Stack them neatly in a shady, undisturbed area, such as a corner of your garden or beneath a tree. Consider alternating log sizes or creating a layered effect for added visual interest. If you want to get extra creative, shape your pile into a spiral or a small wall. Not only does this provide a home for insects, amphibians, and fungi, but it can also serve as an intriguing focal point.

Deadwood Borders

Use old branches, logs, or even larger chunks of wood to edge flower beds, vegetable patches, or pathways. This approach defines spaces in your garden while maintaining a naturalistic aesthetic. As the wood slowly decomposes, it enriches the soil and provides refuge for beneficial insects like ground beetles and solitary bees.

Standing Deadwood: Nature’s Sculpture

If you have a dead tree that isn’t a safety hazard, consider leaving it standing. Over time, it will become a habitat for woodpeckers, bats, fungi, and all sorts of insects. You can also carve out sections to create nesting holes or perch spots for birds. If you’re concerned about aesthetics, think of it as a natural sculpture—one that changes with the seasons and becomes a living art piece.

Partially Bury Logs for a Natural Look

Instead of scattering logs randomly, try partially burying them in flower beds or along pathways. This anchors them in place and integrates them seamlessly into the landscape. Over time, they’ll become moss-covered and blend beautifully with their surroundings, mimicking a fallen log in a forest.

Incorporate Climbing Plants

If a log pile or dead tree looks a bit stark at first, encourage climbing plants like ivy, honeysuckle, or clematis to grow over it. This softens the appearance while creating even more habitat opportunities for insects and birds.

By thinking about placement and presentation, you can turn deadwood into an intentional and attractive feature that enhances both your garden’s beauty and its ecological value.

4. What to Do When Deadwood Looks a Bit… Too Dead?

So, you embraced the wild and let nature take its course. Your log pile has been teeming with insects, fungi, and tiny creatures for years. But now, it’s reached the point where it’s less of a charming wildlife hub and more of a soggy heap of decomposing wood chips. Don’t worry—this is all part of the cycle! Here’s what to do when your deadwood has done its job:

Mix It into Flower Beds

Decomposed wood is essentially free organic matter, packed with nutrients that your plants will love. Rake the crumbly remnants into your soil to improve moisture retention and soil structure, making it a natural, slow-release fertilizer.

Create a Bug-Friendly Soil Pile

Instead of removing all the decomposed wood, leave some in a shady, undisturbed spot. This soft, decayed material is a magnet for beetles, worms, millipedes, and fungi. It continues breaking down, enriching the soil while providing a crucial microhabitat for ground-dwelling creatures.

Use It as Mulch

Decomposed wood makes excellent mulch. Spread it around trees, shrubs, or flower beds to help suppress weeds, retain moisture, and slowly nourish the soil. As it breaks down further, it adds valuable organic matter without the need for store-bought mulch.

Start a New Log Pile

If your old pile has disintegrated into almost nothing, take it as a sign to begin anew. Replace the old logs with fresh ones, keeping the cycle going. Ideally, maintain multiple log piles at different stages of decomposition so there’s always a home for various insects, fungi, and small mammals.

At the end of the day, letting wood decompose might not sound glamorous, but it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to support local wildlife. Plus, it saves you time and effort—less tidying, more thriving ecosystems!

Got a log pile in your garden? Spotted any weird and wonderful fungi taking over? Snap a pic and share your rotting successes with us in Rainford’s Rewilders—our community of like-minded nature nerds who embrace the wild side of gardening! Let’s swap stories, compare the strangest garden discoveries, and inspire more wild havens.