Ivy
Ivy is one of our most familiar plants, seen climbing up trees, walls, and along the ground, almost anywhere. It is a great provider of food and shelter for all kinds of animals, from butterflies…
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Ivy bee
The ivy bee is a new arrival to the UK. First recorded here in 2001, it is slowly spreading north. It feeds mainly on the nectar of ivy flowers and can be seen in autumn when this plant is in…
County Wildlife Sites
County Wildlife Sites (CWS) have a key role in the conservation of Suffolk’s biodiversity and are important Living Landscape links.
Ivy in churchyards, gardens and community spaces
Common ivy is native to Britain and widely distributed across Suffolk. It is an adaptable woody climber, able to grow in most soil types and is resilient to changes in climatic conditions. The foliage, flowers and berries of ivy provide an excellent habitat for wildlife.
In favour of ivy - why it's brilliant for wildlife
‘I am ivy, a real high-flyer. Via bark and stone I scale tree and spire’ begins Robert MacFarlane’s poem from his book ‘The Lost Words’. What a brilliant introduction to ivy. Wild Learning Officer…
Ground-ivy
Despite its name, Ground-ivy is actually a member of the dead-nettle family. It is a clump-forming, aromatic plant that likes woodlands, hedgerows and damp places.
Establishing grassland and increasing botanical diversity at existing sites
Grassland surrounded by different habitats such as hedge, scrub, woodland and even bare ground can support a rich community of wildlife. The creation of new grassland habitat complements the conservation management of existing grasslands.
Ivy-leaved toadflax
Ivy-leaved toadflax is an introduced species in the UK that has become widely naturalised. Look for creeping along old walls and pavements, and shingle beaches. Its flowers resemble those of…
Site Analysis for Freshwater Invertebrate Surveys
SAFIS: Site Analysis for Freshwater Invertebrate Surveys. The aim of this program is to give a simple and quick method of analysing data obtained when conducting a survey for freshwater invertebrates at a pond, river, or other wetland site.
Weekly wild news from our reserves, 25 September 2020
This week our Reserve Wardens have seen ivy bees, a starling murmuration, a little owl and a gorgeous September sunrise.
Holly blue
Look out for the small Holly Blue in your garden or local park. It is the first blue butterfly to emerge in spring, and a second generation appears in summer. The caterpillars are fond of holly…
In memory of Ernie Lucking
Andrew Excell, our South East Suffolk Sites Manager, remembers Ernie Lucking.