Lots of pine needles - clear them?

[rubbishonlineshopper]

I think this will be the first of many threads I'll need to get advice! Moved into first house with a garden last year, it's a lovely semi established garden with lots of different plants. I have no idea!

Oytside the garden there is a v large pine tree, so there is a bit of a constant falling down of pine cones & needles. There are quite wide Borders round the edge, which seem to have quite a covering of pine needles. I'm wondering if they have just fallen since we moved in, or if the previous owner left them as a way to stop weeds? I started to rake them up this morning, but have stopped in case they're there for a reason!

Any ideas gratefully received!

[Driftwood999]

You can spread them on your boarders to supress weeds, so I guess they are doing a job. You can also add them to your compost heap of the future? Lovely time of year to watch a new garden grow, you'll be going Oh! Oh! Look! Enjoy.