Question about hugelkultur next to hillside

Hello,
I'm new to both permaculture and Permies.com.
I am hoping to get some advice on a hugelkultur bed layout. My yard had a trench at the base of a small (2 1/2 - 3' high) but steep hillside. We filled the trench with cardboard and then logs and branches, but now we are wondering if we should have moved the hugelkultur away from the hillside to allow for either a swale or access to the other side. We would be able to access the bed from the top and we did leave about 10" between the pile and the hill. I would rather not move the 12-15' of wood and branches if possible but would also like this bed to be as functional as can be for as long as possible. Any ideas would be much appreciated. Thanks! Jenn

These beds are intended to mimic natural forest processes, so they work best when they are a mixed up mess of dirt, wood, leaves, manure and even some whatever if youlike. I would dig the hill you mentioned for the dirt until it is a ditch and build the hugelbeet to a height of 3 or 4 feet. This will give you a nice low spot for moisture loving plants as well.