Thanks to you all, food for thought indeed. I think, in hindsight, perhaps
the ivy is a bad idea as it may damage the wall. I just wanted some colour
on the walls, somewhere for the birds to hide and something that wont
destroy the brickwork.

Thanks again

Yes, I completely and totally agree with the ivy-detractors. My last house
had ivy all over a fence and up two walls, and it was a total nightmare. It
grew like mad all year round and had to be aggressively pruned almost
weekly. It threatened the downspouts and the tv dish, and was starting to
eat away at the edge of the roofing on the adjoining garage.

I'm generally really, really, really glad I moved out (not because of the
ivy, obviously!), because it was going to be virtually impossible to get rid
of - someone else's problem....

Barb