Gardeners advised not to cut ivy in the garden this September or October

It’s one of those tasks every gardener needs to tackle before winter arrives, but not everything in your garden should be cut or pruned just yet.

Gardening experts advise gardeners not to prune or cut ivy plants still growing in their garden, as they can provide beneficial benefits to your garden’s vital wildlife.

Although hedge cutting bans were lifted at the end of August, gardeners are still being asked to consider leaving the ivy alone for a little longer.

In fact, there are plenty of gardening things that green-fingered folks can put off a little longer to help nature.

The Woodland Trust says ivy is “one of the last sources of garden nectar” for late-flying insects, and birds “feast on its fruit throughout the winter”.

As a result, the foundation is asking gardeners to hold off on pruning “until the last fruit is gone.”

The Trust said: “Do you really need to clear away the last flowers, seed heads, fallen fruit, berries or dead growth?

“Wildlife may still rely on them for food or shelter, so leaving them behind can be a lifeline in the colder months. Ivy is one of the last nectar sources in the garden for late-flying insects and birds will feast on its fruit well into winter, so leave any clippings until the last fruit is gone , if you can.

“Consider additional feed for the birds or install a cozy home in a quiet corner.”

Of course, there are no rules, laws or fines for this, gardeners are just asked to do it to help nature.