Is this woodchip?

Don't think it's ivy. I'm no expert though. I did see red fruits (non edible) every now and then while transporting to the back garden.

OK... I'll put down the stuff and see how it goes.

Thanks for all replies

 

To be honest enginestar, I dont think there is any real problem here. Use it as a mulch and it should be fine

 

If it's any help, I have used fresh woodchip as mulch on a couple of occasions. No harm done to plants, no mass of fungi, no slime. Just good weed-suppressing and soil-improving ground cover.

As it happens, both occasions it was in March - as that is when the tree/hedge work was done. On both occasions, I got a discount, and earlier appointment, because I wanted to keep the chipped material.
First time it was a conifer of ours which had fallen on the neighbours house.
We got an earlier appointment, and price reduction, because we kept the wood (which surgeon enjoyed chopping and splitting for us ❤️) and chippings. This was added as a 2-3" layer on the top flowerbeds, and around all fruit trees and bushes.
Second time, this year, it was mainly shredded laurel hedge. So much greener than the chippings you have shown. Most was layered through the compost bays, and has now rotted down beautifully. But another layer of 2-3" was added to the flower beds. It is probably what has kept some of our plants alive during this drought!

In short, it will be fine!

 

Excellent point Sian.....mulching here has helped my garden too to remain healthy this summer. I too dressed the lawn too, essentially mulching, and this too has remained green.