Mid Winter Food

So often ivy is removed from trees, which is a shame as it provides food for birds when other seeds and berries are in short supply. Bees feed on the flowers and the foliage provides food and shelter for birds and insects alike. From my own observations Ivy does eventually seem to have a detrimental effect on it's host tree, so I compromise and remove some Ivy if the tree is being smothered but leave plenty for wildlife. A few starlings were feasting on the Ivy as I walked by.