That spindle tree

The tree revealed behind the great mass of ivy I have taken down. 

I had hoped to find out some saving grace for ivy.

Apparently Dionysus was abandoned under ivy from which he derives his name ( Greek ivy =  kissos). Bacchus wore a crown of ivy - a symbol of passion and its ability to suck the life out of its bearers.  The Virgin Mary is apparently symbolised by Ivy in the carol, The Holly and the Ivy.

Birds love it for nesting, bees and hover flies like the late nectar rich flowers, it makes a very thick waxy honey, the berries are emergency winter bird feed.

Left to itself its gets everywhere and will smother trees if its gets into their crowns.

But it is shade tolerant, evergreen and will cover ugly eye sores if your are willing to enter a Dionysian pact with it.