The importance of ivy - please can someone check the facts

[Tursiops2]

Originally Posted by davecatt

[/b]
And for the most part as biased as your attitude.

That's a bit strong

I've read through this thread; the discourse has been well-balanced, and the consensus seems to be that while Ivy can be undesirable in certain circumstances, in general it is a benign plant with undeniable value for wildlife. This can hardly be described as biased

Originally Posted by davecatt

The Ivy stems in your pics show a very old growth. Your quote from the the FC states that Ivy infestation on old trees can be a problem.

Trees with excessive infestation of Ivy are more likely to succumb to fungle infection and die than those not infested with Ivy.

I think it's worth remembering that the falling and decomposition of mature trees is an important part of woodland regeneration. It will have H&S implications in public areas, but in terms of woodland management for wildlife, the death of a few trees is not necessarily a bad thing.

Originally Posted by davecatt

Dont take my word for it though I'm just another old fart who as probably been around too long and not read enough books.

From one old fart to another , I like the clip in your sig. - it brings back some happy memories
T2

[davecatt]

I think you're missing the point T2;
The whole issue is about lack of information and lack of understanding ( not to mention an unhelpful confrontational attitude ) on both sides.

[Deb London]

Thanks for your help both.

[Deb London]

OK, just back from meeting someone who spoke to someone who spoke to someone else.

The dispute is RESOLVED. Couldn't be more pleased.

The person who has been cutting the ivy has come forwards and has given their name. This person has agreed to stop what they are doing. The ivy will no longer be cut by this member of the public.

Even better than this, the group leader appears to have won this person round. The cutting of ivy (in this particular setting, I'm not going to say never) is not beneficial for the reserve and its wildlife. Both parties agree on this.

According to hearsay the person was conducting "a non-scientific experiment" to study the effect of cutting this plant. I can't add more to this.

There has also been something good to come out of this. The leader will be organising a walk around the reserve for the residents, for them to see what is being done, to find out why it is being done and to ask questions.

The person I spoke to had a big beaming smile on her face as she related the story.

And although I can see that this whole episode has given us a lot of stress, I can honestly say that I for one have learned a lot, learned a bit about other people's views and learned to ask more questions. Now I already ask a lot of question , but I will not be deterred from asking more.

[Ladywell]

Well done!! Glad there has been a good outcome - beneficial to both sides and good for you for sticking with it (and dodging the occasional 'blows' aimed in your direction!) You have dealt with it all admirably - pity there are not more people like you.

[earthdragon64]

That's good news Deb, having won this person over, you may well find s/he becomes one of your greatest allies in the neighbourhood.

Regards, Audrey.

[Deb London]

Ref. Ladywell's post. Ta.

Tbh, this has had a couple of people very, very upset. Not today though.

This is not being viewed as a victory or anything. It's not like that. But now we can get on with doing what we can to help at the reserve without spending time trying to deal with things that we really didn't want to have to do. If this makes sense.

[Deb London]

Originally Posted by earthdragon64

That's good news Deb, having won this person over, you may well find s/he becomes one of your greatest allies in the neighbourhood.

Regards, Audrey.

Fingers crossed. I must admit they are handy with a saw.

[Tom C L]

I'm pleased to see a couple of disclaimers to the belief that ivy parisitises and damages the trees. I have seen several instances of ivy thriving on creosote impregnated telegraph poles. It won't get much nourishment from those.

[JennyS]

Hi Tom - no, Ivy isn't parasitic on trees but it can cause damage