Assessing the thermal dampening and blanketing effects of ivy (Hedera helix) on stone-built coastal heritage assets under summer conditions

Journal article

Climbing plants, such as English ivy (Hedera helix), are an important component of the natural and built environment, and are increasingly integrated into the designs of modern developments to provide aesthetic and thermal benefits. Yet, the influence of ivy on the conservation of historic buildings remains controversial. In urban and rural settings, ivy has been shown to both enhance and retard material breakdown. Yet, in dynamic coastal environments, where heritage assets are regularly exposed to variable weather conditions and damaging ocean spray, the impacts of ivy on stone decay are relatively unknown. In this study, a combination of laboratory simulations and field experiments were used to assess the impacts of different covers of ivy (i.e., full foliage, managed foliage, and exposed stone) on surface and subsurface microclimates and stone deterioration at two sixteenth century castles in Kent, UK. Our results show that ivy may shield surfaces against potentially damaging salt crystals, and buffer extremes and fluctuations in temperature and humidity during warm, summer conditions. Importantly, we show that heavily-managed stems can provide protective functions irrespective of leaves through the modulation of environmental variables linked to stone decay.

Authors: Jenkins, G; Baxter, T

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Journal: Journal of Cultural Heritage
• Volume: 77
• Pages: 197-206
• Publication date: 2025-12-11
• Acceptance date: 2025-11-25
• DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.014
• EISSN: 1778-3674
• ISSN: 1296-2074
• Language: English
• Keywords: bioprotection; conservation; built heritage; ivy; vertical greenery