Sue Huggett.
Throughout the year, one of the most biologically active habitats within The Bumpy is the tangle of mature ivy that cloaks many of the oldest trees; some alive, some dead.
Contrary to popular belief, ivy is not parasitic, having its own, independent root system and a year-round energy supply thanks to its multitude of evergreen leaves. It takes nothing from the tree, only using it for support.
Being the latest plant to flower each year in the UK, it provides a vital source of pollen and nectar for a whole host of insects as they prepare for the leanness of winter. On a warm, sunny day in early autumn, the soft humming of bees and hoverflies, feasting on its spiky, round umbels of tiny, sickly-sweet flowers, attracted predators, such as wasps, European hornets and the occasional dragonfly. Moths and butterflies, including Holly Blues, Red Admirals and Commas, were also frequent visitors, adding eye-catching splashes of colour to a now predominantly green vista. Following pollination, the flowers have morphed into small, hard, green berries, which will become blue-black as they ripen; a welcome food source for hungry blackbirds, thrushes, redwings and fieldfares in the midst of winter. Meanwhile, foraging wrens, tits and blackcaps will be grateful to find a few of the numerous overwintering insects, spiders, myriapods (centipedes and millipedes) and snails that have tucked themselves away between the intertwining stems, under the insulating layer of glossy foliage.
With the return of spring, the birds will find that the ivy provides many of them with secure nest sites within which to raise their young. Ivy is truly a plant for all seasons.
Nevertheless, it is sometimes necessary to manage it to ensure a thriving habitat that is safe for everyone to visit and enjoy. This summer’s tree survey recommended some remedial work, including a modest amount of ivy removal from trees showing varying degrees of failing health. Where these are next to paths, fences or the road, it can be necessary to remove branches, whole canopies or sheets of ivy that are preventing the assessment of the tree’s health. The Bumpy Volunteer Group has an obligation to preserve wildlife habitat, wherever possible, but a degree of maintenance for safety reasons is periodically necessary, and you may notice this taking place across the winter months.
Meanwhile, stripey-bodied ivy bees are normally active until mid-November, weather permitting, so do drop into The Bumpy on a sunny day and experience the hum of busy foragers as they prepare for the approaching winter.
If you have any further questions about the Reserve or the activities of the Bumpy Volunteer Group, please do send an email to our please do send an email to our Chairman, Jeremy, at (jjrfeatherstone@hotmail.com).