I would take the plastic off as leaves need to be moist and exposure to the rain is the best way to do this over winter.Pushing it a bit to rot down by spring my leaves seem to go quicker in the warmer weather as decomposition of leaves is mainly by fungi.
Geoff.

Lawn clippings are a very good mulch for almost anything good weed supressant when used at least three inches deep.
Geoff

Soaking in parafin for a few minutes works for me every time very few peas taken.
Geoff

Soaking peas in parafin has worked for me for a number of years now all they need is a quick dunk

Confession time
I too feed foxes every day and now I am toying with thoughts of chickens.Are the two actions compatable?

Is Chicken wire good enough to keep out foxes or is a more substantial mesh needed?
Geoff