Castles to be defended against new invader – ivy

CASTLES are being ravaged by ivy, English Heritage has warned, as it launches a crowdfunding campaign for restoration work.

The charity, which looks after 66 castles from Dover to Carlisle, says England’s castles survived centuries of conflict, but are facing a “new threat” from ivy and other invasive weeds, as well as damp, and severe weather.

It has launched a fundraising campaign to help pay the £1.9million bill for summer repairs, including removing deep-rooted, damaging weeds, such as ivy and valerian.

“Like everybody else we think ivy can soften the appearance of our castles in a spectacular fashion, and in many circumstances it’s entirely benign. It stops them getting wet or too cold,” said Jeremy Ashbee, the head properties curator at English Heritage.

“But there comes a nightmare moment when ivy turns on you, it grows to such a size and puts down roots into stonework.”

The charity has to carry out conservation work on stonework through the year to repair damage done by plant growth, including removing extensive ivy and other plants, shrubs and even trees whose roots are growing into castle walls.

Stonemasons rebed loose masonry, and use bespoke lime mortar to repoint joints that have been wrenched apart by strong roots.

Penetrating damp and extreme weather can also cause erosion and gradually damage the stonework of castles, said the charity, which is running a crowdfunding appeal as part of its first #Lovecastles summer campaign.

It is seeking up to £50,000 in donations from the public to help protect the landmarks for future generations.