AN ENVIRONMENTALLY-minded retiree has made it his mission to spruce up a Swindon wood by personally stripping damaging ivy from the trees.

Ron Chadwick, of Old Walcot, is removing the ivy from trees in Lawn Woods, his only tools being a pair of secateurs and a hand-saw.

The 66-year-old first got the idea after enjoying scenic walks through the woods on his way to work, when he noticed the detrimental effect the ivy was having on the trees.

“Over the years, while walking through the Lawns, I have noticed the ivy aggressively growing on the trees and causing an awful lot of damage,” he said.

“I noticed that it was actually strangling the trees.

“It winds its way all the way up to the top, and it has even pulled trees over, which is potentially very dangerous.

“People enjoy walking around here and an added benefit is the aesthetic value – the trees look so much better when the ivy has been removed.”

After consulting with the council, Ron was given consent to cut the ivy back, using hand tools.

He now spends up to five hours a day, three times a week, clearing ivy off the trees in the wood accompanied by fellow residents Malcolm Strange and Alison Benfield.

And the former RAC patrolman has taken a liking to his unusual hobby and is already seeing improvements.

“I actually enjoy it, believe it or not,” he said.

“It’s relaxing, the sun is shining, and I can see that it looks much better already so it’s satisfying to see.

“It’s very therapeutic.”

It was during one removal session that he encountered Alison, who expressed an interest in helping with the mammoth task.

Now, the dynamic duo plan to form a group to clear the basal ivy from the trees under the name Friends of Lawn Woods.

And Ron is appealing for other green-fingered residents to join him in his quest for a healthier wood.

“People tell me that I’m doing a good job but that I’ve got my work cut out and that it is why we need more people to join us,” he added.

Neil Pullen, reserves manager at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, agrees that maintenance of the ivy is needed, but advocates against complete removal.

“In extreme cases, ivy can attach itself to the sail and bring trees down but in most cases it is wrong to remove ivy completely and I don’t believe it can damage the trees if it remains,” he explained.

“In the majority of instances it won’t do any damage or grow that thick.

“It should not be removed unless really up in the sail.

“It should be removed around the base as maintenance.

“It provides a wonderful haven for all sorts of wildlife, including bats who burrow in and attach themselves to the canopy.”

A spokesperson for Swindon Borough Council said: “We have a number of volunteers who help look after our woods and we’re grateful to them all for the effort they put in.

“Ivy is bad for trees because it can affect their growth, and ultimately smother and kill them if it isn’t controlled.

“The best way to do this is to cut the ivy at the base, but leave the plant attached to the tree until it has completely died back.

“It’s best not taken off straight away as this risks damaging the tree, and at this time of the year it could also affect nesting birds.”

To join Friends of Lawns Wood or for more information, email ronc5334@gmail.com.