Abstract
Ivy is often blamed for damaging masonry walls and seen as something that should be removed wherever possible. However, under some circumstances the positive benefits of ivy can outweigh any deteriorative effects. This paper reports on findings from a three-year research project, commissioned by English Heritage, and their implications for managing ivy on historic masonry walls. From field monitoring at a range of sites in England, it was found that ivy provides a thermal blanket for walls, protecting them from extremes of heat and cold and fluctuations in relative humidity. Similarly, studies in and around Oxford show that ivy can minimize particulate pollution reaching walls. Field experiments in Oxford also reveal that ivy rootlets adhering to stone generally only create minor (if any) damage to the stone surface. However, it was also found that ivy can penetrate existing voids and cause damage. A balanced appraisal should inform decisions to remove, leave or even plant ivy. If ivy is allowed to grow on walls, regular and careful maintenance and monitoring are essential.
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