Are these solutions good for my compost?

Alongside my main compost pile, I was thinking about digging a hole to be filled with (almost) all the fallen leaves I’ve managed to gather (except walnut).
I’ve read and heard that this is a good compost investment. I’m considering the the following :

1) As I’ve read, I should cut all the leaves to put in the earth, but what if I soak them for a few days instead and then put them in (using the water for the main compost pile and house-plants, perhaps)?

2) About the population of earthworms therein; would it be a problem if burrowing animals (i.e. moles) reach and cross the hole? (do they eat earthworms)?

3) Should I put anything else in the hole? And how deep should it be for over winter process?