Garden Q&A: Should I cut back the ivy on my hedge?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

When ivy climbs up through a mixed hedge it can compete for light and smother the deciduous plants.

Question

I have a long, mature mixed hedge that’s become heavily covered in ivy, especially on the deciduous sections. Should I leave the ivy for its wildlife value, or cut it back to help the hedge thicken and grow properly?