The importance of ivy - please can someone check the facts

[naturepieces]

Assuming this is the common ivy, hedera helix, then its not surprising that there is confusion about it.

In the States, there are some strong anti-ivy lobbies and action groups, I suspect mainly because some people don't like the plant, but the main argument, supported by some but not all foresters, is that it does weaken trees which then collapse more easily in storms. On the other hand, it is used widely in some wooded areas to help hold soil and embankments together to prevent erosion.

I've always viewed it as ok in woods as a possible haven for wildlife, but as I don't know what preceded it in many of those places it may actually be a bad thing in some instances.

As a keen gardener myself, I was originally against it as it is invasive but decided to let it grow to help along a little wildlife plot I was cultivating in the garden. Overall its ok for my purpose there, insects live in it, etc, but I do trim it back occasionally as it does overpower a lot of plants, mainly wildfowers that I planted a couple of years ago, if left unchecked.

I don't know if this helps with your basic argument, but I'll offer it up anyway. Good luck because I take umbrage at peope taking entrenched views on most things unless the facts strongly support them. And nature's an emotive enough subject without that kind of incandescence.

Ian

[animartco]

Well one can understand opposition to ivy in the States of course, because there it is a foreign invader. Here it is a native. A big difference.
Of pulling down trees in a storm. Yes, but only if they are exposed to prevailing winds in the first place. Trees in the middle of a wood, would not be affected.

[JennyS]

Well one can understand opposition to ivy in the States of course, because there it is a foreign invader. Here it is a native. A big difference.

I have never understood that reasoning!
Biodiversity and habitat loss is damaging irrespective of whether the problem is caused by a native or 'alien' species.

There is very considerable habitat and ensuing biodiversity loss that is caused by native bracken, brambles, rushes, (and, in some woodlands, Ivy) etc. Loss is loss - no difference!

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by JennyS

I have never understood that reasoning!
Biodiversity and habitat loss is damaging irrespective of whether the problem is caused by a native or 'alien' species.

Indeed - but they have both evolved alongside each other. However, resultant competition between an native plant and one that found itself here due to human intervention in some way is not natural, and control methods are sometimes employed to return it back to the natural status-quo.

[davecatt]

So after all the waffle about ivy why dont we look at the root of Debs problem?

As I understand it;Debs volunteers have a problem with some locals not understanding the value of ivy, and at the same time, failing to understand why the volunteers are cutting down trees whilst objecting to the locals cutting down the ivy.

Lack of understanding on both sides perhaps?

It dosent cost much to stick a laminated sheet of A4 up on all access points explaining the aims of the work in progress and inviting any one with concerns to contact the project manager (an invitation to get involved may even be a good idea).

I trust the trees that are being coppiced are not also infested with ivy?

[Deb London]

No they weren't Dave. I don't really understand why, it has to be said. Hence my sudden and absorbing interest with the ecology of woods. Ivy only grows to this extent in one place, although it is present in the ground layer throughout. But not as much of it. I believe it is absent from a nearby wood (more or less) which is fascinating.

I did find out that the wood is important for bats (the most important site for miles). It's still my opinion that they shouldn't have been destroying this habitat.

There is a guided walk soon and the volunteer group will try and get locals on their side.

Notices have gone up now. I think the matter with the ivy is drawing to an end. The coppicing is another matter. One for more debate with the residents who remain open-minded.

[animartco]

Originally Posted by davecatt

So after all the waffle about ivy why dont we look at the root of Debs problem?

As I understand it;Debs volunteers have a problem with some locals not understanding the value of ivy, and at the same time, failing to understand why the volunteers are cutting down trees whilst objecting to the locals cutting down the ivy.

Lack of understanding on both sides perhaps?

It dosent cost much to stick a laminated sheet of A4 up on all access points explaining the aims of the work in progress and inviting any one with concerns to contact the project manager (an invitation to get involved may even be a good idea).

I trust the trees that are being coppiced are not also infested with ivy?

What a lovely idea Davecatt! Notices explaining, with contact telephone number. I think all nature reserves and parks should have this. It means if anyone spots anything happening which they are unhappy about they have someone to ring who they know will be interested, and they would be much more likely to do this, than bother the police.

[darrenm]

an older family member a few years back decided that they had had enough of Ivy in their considerable sized garden and much against my repeated requests to leave it alone or just trim it back and they went ahead and had it cut and ripped out and then burnt .

They moan now that they do not see Holly Blue Butterflies in their garden anymore, the Robin and Wren no longer nests there, Wood Pigeons are not seen feeding on a regular basis and the Mistle Thrush never shows up etc,etc...... and they still have no clue this is through their own actions.

Maybe someone could call a meeting with the people you have had a problem with and a slide show, talk and or presentation of the benefits of Ivy to wildlife. Also it would be a good chance to explain the benefits of coppicing to wildlife and that it is not wanton damage but part of a very healthy management process that has gone on in woodlands for a few thousand years. Bringing these people on line( if they can be) will benefit everyone and the woodland and wildlife all round.

A friend at present is experiencing very serious problems with dog walkers on a site he is trying to manage and has had signs defaced and destroyed, dog poo dumped and smeared on seats and thrown in bags into Hawthorn bushes, new fences cut and damaged and letters of hate sent. This is also mostly the action of a group of people who resent changes that have been brought in to help protect wildlife on what is a Nature Reserve and who do not understand what is being done.

[Deb London]

That sounds terrible Darren. Definitely one for the police I would have thought.