Derelict Brush Pile

At the very back of the garden in the northwest corner this brush pile has settled since the first spring when I first moved here. Fallen branches and pruned ones go onto the pile to offer a refuge for small animals to hide. I feel sure the wild bunnies must find a winter home in there, like Peter Rabbit.
The garden has been designated a 'National Wildlife Garden Refuge.' To get the certificate the garden must have certain things good for wildlife. One of these is a brush pile. I simply sent in the form checking off all the correct items and got the certificate. The pile, looking appropriately "derelict", is now 7 years old. The neighbours have finally become used to its existence, but it was touch and go at first. 
Beauty is in the eye of the gardener & small rodents, I guess....

For anyone keeping count the temp this a.m. is 0ºC (32ºF) and we have a few light snow flurries. Ugh!