Ivy: Problem Plant or Wildlife Haven?

About this episode

The episode explores the role of ivy in biodiversity and its cultural significance.

We see it everywhere. Climbing trees, clinging to walls, and carpeting woodland floors. Ivy is one of the most familiar plants in our landscapes, but is it really the garden nuisance it is often made out to be, or is it in fact an unsung biodiversity haven? Join us we take a closer look at ivy’s hidden world. From the surprising range of wildlife it supports to its deep-rooted cultural history, we explore why this resilient plant might deserve a little more respect. And there is even a link between ivy and our recent hiatus from recording. It's brilliant to be back after a bit of a break, we hope you enjoy listening! Get in touch Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/43091/hedera-helix/details https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/icad.12033 https://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/ivy-lifeline-for-autumn-moths https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/learn-about-bumblebees/solitarybees/ivy-bee/

People in this episode

Hosts: Matthew, Steve

Topics covered

• Ivy
• Biodiversity
• Wildlife
• Cultural history
• Gardening

Keywords

• Ivy
• biodiversity
• wildlife haven
• cultural history
• gardening

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: RHS, Butterfly Conservation, Bumblebee Conservation

More episodes of The Birdy Bug Pod

• The UK's littlest owl · February 27, 2026 · 40 min
• Blue whales bouncing back · February 13, 2026 · 1h 4m
• Positive Nature News from 2025 · January 15, 2026 · 1h 8m
• Release the beavers! · December 12, 2025 · 1h 2m
• Much (more) ado about Curlews · November 20, 2025 · 48 min
• Help the humble bumble bee · October 22, 2025 · 56 min