A couple of weeks ago we were delighted to receive a Facebook comment about the prodigious growth of ivy in Guernsey: 'As a frequent visitor to Guernsey I am afraid that one day it will disappear under the ivy which is everywhere and makes the trees look as if they are all slowly dying , please can something not be done to get rid of it ?!' We contacted Andy McCutcheon, Principal Environment Services Officer for States of Guernsey, who writes: 'Maybe it is the pattern of mild autumns that is causing what appears to be increasing amount of ivy. There may be other factors involved of course, such as the increased amount of tree cover in terms of copses and woodland, up from around 3.5% to 5.99% between 1999 and 2010 (source: Habitat Surveys). More tree cover and maturing tree cover tends to support more ivy. We know that ivy is not parasitic but uses trees as a form of support to grow up. Authorities like Jon Stokes (Head of the U.K. Tree Warden scheme for the Tree Council) believe that ivy is a constant component of the environment and that its presence reflects more a symptom than cause of decline in trees. He has also collected evidence to suggest that ivy and trees can be in balance with each other. Any hasty decision to remove ivy may result in a detrimental impact on biodiversity since ivy is one of the few native sources of pollen and nectar for invertebrates during times of the year when little else is available.' NTG's President Martin Ozanne adds - 'It's also important to remember that birds nest in ivy.' Andy McCutcheon: Secretary, Guernsey Trees for Life Co-ordinator, Guernsey Tree Warden Scheme Vice-Chairman, Friends of Saumarez Park Playground LBG. Saumarez Park is located in the heart of Guernsey with many specimen trees and heritage plant areas unique to the island. National Trust of Guernsey's Folk and Costume Museum is based at Saumarez Park, together with Guernsey Botanical Trust's Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden. For those who enjoy heritage places and plant heritage, there is a lot to be seen, all within easy walking distance. How to find us: Please take a look at Buses.gg App for a bus route from town and reconfigure your journey where needs be. National Trust of Guernsey's opening dates and times for the museum and courtyard: Tuesday 15th March – Tuesday 1st November Open 7 days a week (Closed Liberation Day, May 9th) 10.00am – 5.00pm (Last entry 4.15pm) Private tours (including School groups) can be accommodated by prior arrangement outside of these times. Entry fees: Adults £5.00 Concessions (OAPs and Tour Group rate): £4 Children / Students (6-18): £2 Children (Under 6): FREE National Trust (Worldwide) and La Societe Guernesiaise Members: FREE For Group Rates and any other enquiries, please contact the museum directly: Landline: 01481 255384 Mobile: 07781 127476 Email: folkmuseumntgsy@cwgsy.net.