🍵 France’s nationwide strike draws hundreds of thousands

Good morning, Europe. Friday begins with the aftermath of a nationwide French strike—and a useful November garden job.

Reuters morning read: Hundreds of thousands joined demonstrations across France on Thursday over wages, living costs, public services and education. Reuters reports that the marches were largely peaceful, although clashes broke out in Paris and Lyon. The Interior Ministry counted 575,000 participants, while the CGT union put turnout at 1.6 million. The one-day strike closed the Eiffel Tower, but caused no major transport disruption.

Read more: Reuters: Largely peaceful marches take place across France as workers stage strike

Useful this morning: The Royal Horticultural Society’s November checklist recommends clearing fallen leaves from lawns and ponds while leaving some in beds, where they can shelter wildlife and enrich the soil. Woody garden waste can become a dead hedge or log pile instead of being burned, and healthy leaves can be composted into leaf mould. Check piles for sheltering wildlife before moving them.

Read more: RHS: Gardening jobs for November

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