Developing a UK Strategic Bracken Control Framework

First published07 March 2025

Pixabay

With the withdrawal of Asulox, the primary herbicide used for bracken control, there is an urgent need for a strategic management framework.

What is this project about?

Bracken is a key component of many UK ecosystems, but its management presents challenges. With the withdrawal of Asulox, the primary herbicide used for bracken control, there is an urgent need to explore alternative management approaches.

New research being conducted by Prof. Robin Pakeman and Dr Martyn Roberts from The James Hutton Institute, on behalf of Natural England, NatureScot, and the Welsh Government, aims to explore alternative approaches to Bracken control and to develop practical guidance for land managers.

Why the project needs farmer input

The researchers are seeking input from stakeholders involved in or affected by bracken management, including land managers, conservation bodies, farmers, foresters, gamekeepers, water quality specialists, and policymakers.

Your input will help:

  • Identify current bracken management practices and their effectiveness.
  • Understand what information is needed to support future management decisions.
  • Shape the development of a decision-making tool to guide sustainable bracken management.

How to Get Involved

Complete the questionnaire (10-15 mins)  using the link below. The deadline is 15 March 2025

(Language preference can be selected in the top-right corner.)


Ask us a question about this page

Once you have submitted your query someone from NFU Cymru will contact you. If needed, your query will then be passed to the appropriate NFU policy team.

You have 350/350 characters remaining.

The information you provide will be used for the purpose of recording and responding to your query. It will be processed in accordance with the provisions of UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 and the NFU's Privacy Notice.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.