Twisting ivy is a haven for wildlife

THIS is the month of the ivy, when that rather despised semi-tree produces its yellow-green flowers. Yet although ivy is to be found everywhere, clinging to trees and buildings and weaving its way through hedges, I find many people have never noticed its blossoms. Nor have they noticed that not all its leathery leaves are the

familiar five-pointed ones. Those higher up the stem are usually heart - or even spear- shaped.

The debate still goes on as to whether or not ivy damages the trees and walls to which it clings so ardently. Those who say it does have removed it from many historic ruins, thereby stripping them of much of their character.

Whichever school of thought is correct, there is no question that ivy is a valuable all-year-round haven for all sorts of wildlife; a little world of its own. Blackbirds, song thrushes, house sparrows and spotted flycatchers are among the birds that nest in it. And even starlings which cannot find a suitable hole sometimes rear their young in an open thrush-like nest among the twisted leaves.

But it is now, when most other wild flowers have faded, that the ivy really comes into its own, with its flowers providing food for numerous insects, and its evergreen cloak of leaves supplying a roost for birds and mammals and a safe hibernaculum for all sorts of creatures.

The blue-black berries which succeed the flowers are seemingly impervious to frost and come at a time when other berries are scarce or non-existent. They are particularly appreciated by mistle thrushes and wood pigeons.

In some cases you may find the berries are yellow; that is because the ivy is an incomer from the Continent which has spread into the wild.

Ivy was not always despised. Among the ancients its leaves formed the poet's crown or the Bacchanalian wreath, and they were supposed to prevent one becoming drunk, though I've no idea how. The Scots, ever practical, used to make an ointment from ivy; and, ever mystical, employed it to guard their cows and milk from evil spirits.

Holly and ivy used to be linked like bread and butter and both featured equally in Christmas decorations. But now, for some reason, ivy has lost favour both indoors and out. Perhaps someone could launch a Save Our Ivy campaign?

HARRY CAWKELL

features@argus-btn.co.uk

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