Bracken control - a guide to best practice 2008 - Bracken... · BACKGROUND...

WHAT IS SEARS?

SEARS is a partnership delivering rural and environmentalservices on behalf of the Scottish Government.We will provide:

• a streamlined service;• easy access to information and advice;• a consistent and responsive service; and• a customer focused service

WHOARE THE SEARS PARTNERS?

Animal Health

Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA)

Crofters Commission (CC)

Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS)

Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS)

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority (LLTNPA)

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)

Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate

(SGRPID)

www.sears.scotland.gov.uk

email: [email protected]

BACKGROUNDBracken (Pteridium aquilinum) is an important and natural part of ourlandscape, and its abundance appears to have fluctuated overthousands of years. Its invasive nature allows it to spread, and it nowoccurs widely within a variety of habitats throughout Scotland.Originally a woodland plant, bracken may formerly have been kept incheck by shading from the woodland canopy. Large-scale loss ofwoodland cover over the centuries may have facilitated its spread andincreased abundance.

Changes in land management practices have also tended to favour thespread of bracken, namely:

• fewer cattle in upland grazings and thus less trampling of bracken• sub-optimal management of heather and/or grassland• ending of the practice of cutting bracken for bedding• increased numbers of sheep in the uplands (although high densitiesmay help to contain bracken in grassland).

Bracken is now a recognised problem which is severe in some areas ofScotland. Recent attempts to control bracken have highlighted theneed to carry out control properly. There has been a dependency oncertain control techniques which are not appropriate in every situation.Bracken has an extensive underground stem (rhizome) system whichcan store large amounts of nutrients and carbohydrate. This means thatit can recover after initial treatment if control is neglected so adequatefollow-up treatment and aftercare must be planned and implemented.

INTRODUCTIONTHIS LEAFLET IS INTENDED FOR FARMERS, FORESTERS AND MOORLANDMANAGERSWHO:

•WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT BRACKEN CONTROL•WANT TO PREPARE A BRACKEN MANAGEMENT PLAN

It is an updated version of a booklet originally produced by the Southern UplandsPartnership, which has proved useful to land managers throughout Scotland. Following thegeneral information on these pages, the main steps which should be considered in order toproduce a bracken management plan are laid out in Stages 1-5. A management plan willhelp to ensure that methods are appropriate and will achieve their aims, and is essential ifyou intend to seek support under the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) RuralDevelopment Contracts - Rural Priorities. You may want to seek professional help with theproduction of a management plan.

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PROBLEMS ASSOCIATEDWITH BRACKEN• Bracken reduces the potential grazing area available to livestock andwildlife.• Bracken can make the task of gathering stock difficult.• Bracken can make recreational access more difficult.• Bracken can make deer control more difficult.• Bracken can replace other important habitats such as heathland andspecies-rich grassland.• Bracken can inhibit woodland regeneration.• Bracken can harbour ticks which may cause disease in livestock, gameand humans.• Bracken is toxic and carcinogenic to stock and may have a negativeimpact on human health.• Bracken can increase fire hazard.

BENEFITS OF BRACKEN• Bracken can provide protective cover on steep slopes at risk of erosion.• As part of a habitat mosaic, bracken can be important for many formsof wildlife including invertebrates, small mammals, some plant speciesand birds such as whinchat, tree pipit, yellowhammer and nightjar.• Patchy bracken stands can support several rare fritillary butterflieswhich depend on violets and cow-wheat (often growing under bracken)as their sole food source.

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• Bracken can support woodland ground flora in areas that were oncetree-covered.• Bracken is considered by some to possess considerable aesthetic valuein the landscape, especially during the autumn months.• There are potential uses of bracken for animal bedding, compost, andas a biofuel.

BRACKEN MANAGEMENTYour approach to treatment will depend very much on the type ofvegetation you want to replace the bracken with.Whatever treatmentsare selected, they should be part of at least a 5 year managementprogramme. Control programmes should consist of pre-control, primaryand follow-up treatments, with post-control management addressingvegetation recovery. Primary treatment can achieve up to 98% kill.Follow-up treatment is targeted at the remaining fronds which willcontinue to appear. A large measure of control can be established witha carefully considered, targeted programme, but it may be difficult toeradicate bracken totally.

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WHATARE THE LONG-TERMLAND-USE OBJECTIVES?

WHAT IS THE CONDITIONANDVIGOUR OF BRACKEN?

WHAT IS THE CONDITIONANDVIGOUR OF THEUNDERLYINGVEGETATION?

WATER QUALITY

• To re-establish heather, productive grass, pre-existingvegetation, or woodland? It is vital to consider whatvegetation is to replace the bracken and how to manage thisvegetation recovery long term. (see Stage 5)• To enhance wildlife or conservation interests?• To control disease in animals?• To protect archaeological interests?• To protect footpaths or public access?

• Look at the density of bracken and the growth form(see Scenarios). These will also determine the methodof treatment.

• It is best to tackle bracken fronts which are invadingdesirable habitats such as heath, in order to prevent furtherencroachment, before tackling dense, static stands.

• The benefits of controlling areas of sparse bracken which aregrowing weakly and not expanding may not be great.

• Look at the amount of litter present and whether this willinhibit vegetation recovery. Litter destruction/removal maybe needed.

• Bare or sparsely-vegetated ground can take years torevegetate without additional intervention and is at riskfrom over-grazing and erosion.

• Stocking levels may need adjusting and fencing may berequired to promote vegetation recovery.

• Rabbits and other pests may need to be controlled.

• Reseeding may be required.

• Although trees can sometimes be planted through deeplitter without any further treatment, it usually preventsrevegetation, so may need to be burned, trampled orincorporated into the soil.

• Is the area in a drinking water catchment (reservoir, streamintake, spring or borehole)?

• Where are the waterbodies (rivers, streams, lochs,groundwater)?

• Remember you will have to leave a buffer strip aroundwaterbodies when using chemical control.

STAGE 1 -WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED?

Cont.

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OTHER ISSUES

TARGET AREAS AND EXTENTOF BRACKEN

CONSENTS ANDCONSULTATIONS

RESOURCES

• Natural heritage – non-target species can be severelydamaged by chemical or mechanical treatments, or by lossof habitat. Consider whether control is appropriate, and if sowhich method is best.

• There are special rules which apply to sites designated fortheir nature conservation interest. Contact SNH or SEPA (seebelow) for information and guidance.

• Public access – you may need to post public warnings andobtain consents.

• Consider costs and follow-up treatments – it is best totackle smaller areas properly than to try to treat large areasineffectively.

• Decide on the most important areas to treat (prioritise).

• Consider slope and accessibility. Steep slopes affect accessand safety of vehicle and driver and can add significantly tothe plan area to be controlled.

• Consider appropriate methods of control.

• Erosion can result from spraying bracken on steep slopes orwhere the vegetation growing beneath is absent or sparse.

• Accurate survey maps will be needed especially wheregrant-aid is applicable or where aerial spraying may affect asite designated for its nature conservation interest.

• Maps are invaluable in planning a long term managementprogramme.

• When planning treatment, account will need to be taken ofstatutory or legal requirements (see below).

• Ensure that adequate resources are allocated for follow-uptreatment. If you do not follow up primary treatment,bracken will rapidly recover and the resources deployed onthe initial treatment will be largely wasted.

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NO CONTROL

CONSERVATIONMANAGEMENT

LIMITED CONTROL

ERADICATION

• Bracken control is not always appropriate, for example onsteep slopes, where it could promote erosion, or whereregeneration of other habitats to replace bracken is difficult.In some areas there will be species of nature conservationvalue that could be harmed by bracken control.

• Where it is desirable to maintain low-density or patchycover for supporting species and habitats of conservationimportance, any control is likely to be limited and selective.

• Where the aim is to reduce the area or severely limit vigourand spread but not eliminate.

•Where bracken is to be replaced with other vegetation.

STAGE 2 -WHAT ARE THE MANAGEMENT OPTIONS?THE BEST MANAGEMENT OPTION DEPENDS MAINLY ONYOUR LAND-USEOBJECTIVES, BUT ALSO ON THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO FOLLOW UPTHE PRIMARY TREATMENT. IN MOST CASES A COMBINATION OF THEFOLLOWINGWILL BE USED:

STAGE 3 -WHAT ARE THE CONTROL OPTIONS?

MEASURE DETAILS PROS/CONS

USE OFLIVESTOCK

A balanced stocking regime with cattle andfewer sheep on badly affected areas,combined with other treatments is an optionthat may assist long-term brackenmanagement.

Short-term high densities of livestock overwinter can break up bracken litter and exposerhizomes to frost damage. This needs to becarefully managed to avoid damage to soilsand vegetation. Feeding stock on badlyaffected areas will help concentrate impacts.

Pigs can produce similar effects to mechanicalcultivation, and will eat rhizomes, but causeextreme ground disturbance and there is a riskof bracken poisoning.

May require fencing.

Bracken can be toxicto stock.

Potential damage tosoil.

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MECHANICAL TREATMENTS

CUTTING/CRUSHING/BRUISING

PLOUGHINGOR TILLAGE

For bracken control (rather than eradication)to be effective, it will be necessary to cut/roll/flail bracken at least twice in the first year (inMay/June and again in July/August) followedby at least one cut each year for the next fiveyears. For bracken eradication, or wherebracken is dense and vigorous, it may benecessary to cut/roll/flail up to three timesper year. You should note that, where brackencontrol is carried out under the SRDP - RuralPriorities, it must be carried out according tothe prescribed methods in force at the time.In 2008 these specify treatment three timesper year.

Special rollers designed for crushing brackenare available.Whipping with thin metal orhardwood rods can be used to cut brackenwhere vehicle access is restricted or wherebracken is not dense. Mechanical methods canbe used in combination with chemicaltreatments. A noticeable reduction in brackendensity can be achieved in time. Do not usethis method if ground-nesting birds arepresent.

These options may not be appropriate insome areas because of steep slopes anddifficult access. Vehicles should not be usedon archaeological sites.

Care should be taken to avoid damage toreptiles, ants, butterflies including fritillaries,and their habitats, where these species arepresent.

Should be carried out by late autumn.Additional kill may be gained by exposingrhizomes to frost action. Must be followedup with further treatment of recoveredbracken in subsequent years.

Not suitable on archaeological sites or whereexisting desirable vegetation may beexcessively damaged.

Good for scatteredbracken and if littledamage is likely tothe underlyingvegetation. Can givegood, but slow,control of densebracken; breaks uplitter layer.Eradication is rarelyachieved.

Excellent controlwith litterbroken up.

Soil erosion.

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BURNINGBRACKENLITTER

BURNINGHEATHER

AERIALSPRAYING BYHELICOPTER

TRACTOR/ATVWITHMOUNTEDBOOM

Does not achieve bracken control but may beused as part of a control programme wheredeep litter prevents vegetation recovery. Notsuitable on steep slopes. Carry out in autumn.

Not advisable on sites with standing stones.

Pre-control. Suitable for older heather wheresparse bracken fronds are advancing as part ofa control programme. These are vulnerableareas and burning will encourage thickeningof the bracken. The bracken must be treatedas soon as possible and within 2 years of theburn.

Not advisable on sites with standing stones.

Suitable for primary treatment of large areasof dense bracken but not for small areas ofscattered or patchy bracken, or where brackenis interspersed with other sensitive habitatssuch as pockets of woodland, scree, flushesand watercourses.

Ensure buffer zones are agreed and not oversprayed. Beware of spraying areas which arefar too extensive to permit adequatefollow-up treatment and aftercare. Treatingsmaller areas thoroughly is likely to be muchmore cost effective and have greater longterm benefits.

Only approved herbicide: Asulam.

Suitable for areas of shorter and/or scatteredor patchy bracken stands on flat/even ground.Used for primary treatment.

Recommended herbicide: Asulam

Not suitable on archaeological sites.

Be aware of dangerof erosion wherethere is nounderlyingvegetation.

Danger of brackenspreading rapidlyunless follow-upcontrol carried out.

Good for areasinaccessible toground vehicles.

Good control ofdense bracken butno effect on litter.

Wasteful use ofherbicide onscattered bracken.

Booms do not sprayefficiently on roughland due to boommovement.Significant run-off ofchemical can occur.

Cheap and efficientuse of herbicide.May be less effectiveas frond density andheight increases.

CHEMICAL TREATMENT

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TRACTOR/ATVWITH ROLLERWIPING GEAR(WEEDWIPE)

HAND-HELDSPINNING DISCSPRAYERSSUCHAS THEMICRON ULVA+

ATV OR QUADBIKEWITH ASPRAY-LANCE

SPOT-GUNSUCHAS THE2ML ACCU-DOS

Suitable where aerial spraying is deemed tobe impractical. Buffer zones are smaller thanfor aerial spraying. Ideal for follow uptreatment where ground conditions allow.Recommended herbicide: Glyphosate.

Not suitable on archaeological sites.

Suitable for large areas of shorter bracken orsmaller areas of dense, tall bracken which areinaccessible to vehicles, in establishingwoodland, or for treating missed strips.

Recommended herbicide: Asulam.

Necessary for follow-up over larger areaswhere wiping is not possible.


Essential where eradication is required: cantreat fronds too small for any other method.


Cheap and efficientuse of herbicide.May be less effectiveas frond density andheight increases.

Waterless spraying(therefore light tocarry) for difficultareas.

Efficient use ofherbicide on thescattered fronds leftover after primarytreatment.

Smaller volumes persquirt (0.5ml) avoidsfatigue.

RELATIVE COSTS OF CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL PRIMARY TREATMENT

Aerial spraying costs about the same as boom spraying by tractor or ATV. Most othertreatments cost about a third as much for a single treatment (i.e. cutting twice per yearwill be about two-thirds of the cost of aerial spraying). The exceptions are knapsackspraying, which costs about three times as much as aerial or tractor spraying, and ULVAapplication, which costs about twice as much as aerial or tractor spraying.

HERBICIDES

Asulam (e.g. Asulox) - Although asulam is a selective herbicide, other non-target speciesmay also be susceptible e.g. some ferns, young heather plants, western gorse and somegrass and tree species. Seek advice if you need further details. Buffer zones are necessaryto protect watercourses and wildlife interests.

Glyphosate (e.g. Roundup Pro Biactive) - This is not a selective herbicide (in contrast toasulam) and will damage or kill all green vegetation it comes into direct contact with. Itis most appropriately used on very dense bracken where it forms an over-storey whichacts to prevent the chemical directly contacting the other vegetation beneath. Bufferzones are necessary to protect watercourses and wildlife interests.

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STAGE 4 – MONITORINGAND FOLLOW-UP TREATMENTUSUALLY A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT CONTROL METHODSWILL BEAPPLICABLE DURING THE TERM OF THE PROGRAMME. MONITORINGWILL BE REQUIRED TOASSESSWHICH FOLLOW-UP TREATMENT ISMOST APPROPRIATE.

• Plan for follow up treatment in subsequent years. Any single primary chemical ormechanical treatment will not eradicate bracken and in the absence of follow-uptreatments bracken will quickly recover (often within 5 years) and all the benefits ofprimary treatment will be lost.• Patchy growth of bracken fronds following primary treatment may be tackled bymechanical (crushing or cutting) or chemical means over several years. Chemical spottreatment approach in July/August may be carried out using an ATV fitted with wipinggear (or suitable spray lances for less accessible sites). Final eradication is usuallyachieved on foot, treating the last remaining fronds using a spot gun.

STAGE 5 – AFTERCARE (VEGETATION RECOVERY)• Aftercare should begin in the first year after primary treatment. The choice as to whichvegetation type is aimed at to replace bracken will be determined by the land useobjectives and the remaining understorey and adjoining vegetation. How muchintervention is required will depend to a large extent on how much understoreyremains.

The following prescriptions for the restoration of heathland and moorland have beensuccessful where tried experimentally:

LITTER DISTURBANCE

SEEDING – HEATHER

This can be achieved in a number of ways: burning,incorporation, winter foddering and removal. All shouldincrease the speed of ground vegetation growth and all canbe initiated before treatment of the bracken begins, althoughif existing bracken fronds are damaged, the effectiveness ofsome primary treatments can be reduced. This option shouldnot be considered on steep slopes where the risk of soilerosion is high.

Re-instatement of heather requires the use of seed fromother areas of heathland or moorland where long establishedor dense bracken stands are treated. Deep bracken litter canhamper heather regeneration. Litter may need to be brokendown or removed. Seed can be applied as heather litter (atabout 1 t/ha) or as cut shoots collected in November orDecember (at about 5-15 t/ha). Seeding can now also bedone from the air. Stabilisation of the soil whilst heatherestablishment takes place can be accomplished with sometypes of forestry brashings. Good stock management toprevent selective grazing of young heather may be crucial.

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SEEDING – GRASSLAND

FERTILIZER AND LIME (ONIMPROVED LAND ONLY)

WOODLANDESTABLISHMENT (NOTSUITABLE ONARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES)

GRAZING CONTROL

Establishment of a grass sward is easier. For productivegrassland, normal agricultural practices should be followed.For upland grazing a mix of species such as Common Bent,Wavy Hair Grass and Sheeps Fescue should be sown at 60kg/ha. Diversifying the mixture with a range of herbs willproduce a grassland with higher conservation interest, thoughat extra cost. Native species should be used, and, whereavailable, local seed sources.

Preferably a slow release fertilizer with a high phosphate tonitrogen ratio should be employed (150 kg/ha). For grasslandestablishment lime can be added to raise the pH to above5.5 to aid establishment and growth.

Initial localised control of bracken in the area intended forplanting may be necessary to permit tree establishment.Natural regeneration is unlikely to be successful unless anadequate seed source exists, and if the regeneration site isfree of deep bracken litter, bracken, and other competingvegetation. Follow up spot treatment or cutting of brackenmay be necessary for 3-5 years after planting, until there is nodanger of competition with saplings

In all cases where vegetation is being re-instated, grazingshould be reduced or prevented in the year of seeding toallow establishment. In grassland, grazing should be possiblethe following year, though careful monitoring to preventovergrazing should be maintained. The slower growth ofheather plants means they should be protected from grazingfor a longer period - especially during the winter (when stockhas little other grazing), for up to five years. Even after this,care should be taken to prevent overgrazing.

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1:Controlofscatteredbrackenor

brackeninvadingfrom

afront

Majortask:

•Reducingbrackenfronddensity

thusallowinggroundfloratobe

maintained.

2:Controlofdensebrackenwith

significantcoverofground

vegetation

Majortask:

•Reducingbrackenfronddensity

3:Densebracken,littlegroundflora-

goodvehicularaccess

Majortasks:

•Reducingfronddensity

•Disturbinglitterlayertoenhance

growthofnewvegetation

•Establishingnewgroundvegetation

4:Densebracken,littlegroundflora–

inaccessiblevehicularaccess

Majortask:

•Removinglitter

Restoringvegetation

•Cutting,rollingorcrushing

•Spotgun,ATV&lanceor

Weedwiper

•Aerialspraying,tractorspraying

orULVA+spraying


•Aerialspraying,tractorspraying

orULVA+spraying

•Weedwiper


•Ploughing

•Burnlitter

•Aerialsprayingortractor

spraying

•WeedwiperorULVA+spraying

•Mixedmechanical/chemical

•AerialsprayingorULVA+

spraying

•FollowupbyhandwithAsulam

orGlyphosate

Goodiflittledamagecausedto

underlyingvegetationor

wildlifeinterest.

Cheap,efficientuseofherbicide.

Wastefuluseofherbicideifbrackenis

sparseandotherfernsaffected

ifpresent.

Goodiflittledamagedoneto

underlyingvegetation.

Otherfernsaffectedifpresent.

Maybelesseffectiveasfrond

densityincreases.

Goodcontrolthoughslow-breaksup

litterlayer.

Excellentinitialcontrolwithlitterbroken.

Nocontrolbutremoveslitter.

Maygivegoodinitialcontrolbutno

effectonlitter.

Maygivegoodinitialcontrolbutno

effectonlitter.

Combinationoftechniquesoftengives

bestcontrol.

Nolitterbreakdown,poor

revegetation.

Labourintensive.

Littleothertreatmentrequired-

improvemaintenancemanagementto

increasecompetitivenessofgrass/heath

topreventfurtherinvasion.

Manipulatestockingdensitytoprevent

over-orundergrazing.

Followuptomaintaincontrol.

Littletreatmentrequired-improve

maintenancemanagementtoincrease

competitivenessofgrass/heathto

preventfurtherinvasion.

Manipulatestockingdensitytoprevent

overorundergrazing.


Majorprobleminre-establishmentof

vegetation.

•Assuminglitterlayerisreducedmust

addseedsofappropriatespecies.

•Reducestockgrazinguntilvegetation

established.

•Useslow

releasefertilizerandlimeif

appropriate.


Options:

•Planttrees-usuallyavoidstheneedto

removelitter.

•Burnlitter,andaddseedsandslow

releasefertilizer(ifappropriate)by

handorair.

•Grazingandtramplingmayaid

litterbreakdown.

•Followuptomaintaincontrol.

SUMMARYOFSUGGESTEDBRACKENCONTROLSCENARIOS,ANDRESTORATIONOPTIONS

SITUATIONANDTASK

METHODS

BENEFITS/DRAWBACKS

AFTERCAREANDRESTORATION

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CONSENTS, CONSULTATION,AND NOTIFICATIONSLegislation and Codes of Practice apply to the control of bracken in most circumstances.In some instances formal approval or consent is required, and in all instancesconsultation or notification may need to be undertaken. The sections below explainwhat is required in different circumstances, but their content is not a comprehensivestatement of the law. Section A) deals with bracken control by any means on sitesdesignated for their nature conservation interest, section B) deals with aerial spraying ofbracken, and section C) deals with non-aerial application of herbicides near water.

Please note that, if you are applying for funding for a bracken management programmefor habitat enhancement through the SRDP - Rural Priorities, some of these proceduresmay be dealt with through that application process. Your case officer will be able toadvise on this.

A ) LAND DESIGNATED FOR ITS NATURE CONSERVATION INTERESTIf you want to carry out bracken control by any means within or affecting a Site ofSpecial Scientific Interest (SSSI), and the proposed operation is an Operation RequiringConsent (ORC), you must apply for and obtain consent from SNH before carrying outthe work. You can see the ORCs for SSSI at SiteLink www.snh.org.uk/snhi or you canobtain details from your local SNH office. Contact details for SNH’s offices can be foundon www.snh.org.uk or from the SEARS contact number 08452 30 20 50. The law allowsSNH up to 4 months to respond to applications for consent, and so you are stronglyadvised to submit your application as early as possible in order to avoid thepossibility of spraying being delayed.

Additional assessment may be required if the area where bracken is to be controlled iswithin or close to a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Area (SPA).This applies whether the site is also an SSSI or not.

If you plan to control bracken using aerial application of herbicide the requirementsrelating to designated sites will be dealt with through the application process referred toin B) below.

If you plan to control bracken on a designated site by other means, contact your localSNH office.

B ) AERIAL APPLICATION OF HERBICIDE FOR BRACKEN CONTROL.SEPA must be consulted under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 (as amended)not less than 72 hours before you intend to carry out aerial application of herbicides ifthis is to take place within 250 metres of water. There is no charge for this, and inpractice consultation will be required for almost all aerial applications. The Applicationform for aerial application of herbicide for bracken control should be submitted to SEPAwho will liaise with SNH and ScottishWater as appropriate. The form will be availableonline at www.sepa.org.uk and from SEPA offices. Contact details for SEPA’s offices canbe found on www.sepa.org.uk or from the SEARS contact number 08452 30 20 50.

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ORGANISATIONOR PERSON

Local Authority

Local AuthorityChief EnvironmentalHealth Officer

Schools, Hospitals,and otherinstitutions

Occupiers (or theiragents) ofneighbouringproperties

Local beekeepers

When the area to be sprayed is within1500m of a Local Nature Reserve (LNR)

Always

When any flight path to be used in theoperation is within 150m of the institution

When the area to be sprayed is within 25mof neighbouring property

When there is a local beekeepers’ spraywarning scheme operating within thedistrict

Consult at least72 hours before spraying

Notify at least 24 hoursand no more than48 hours before spraying



Notify the appropriatereporting point for thescheme at least48 hours before spraying

WHENYOU NEED TO CONSULTOR NOTIFY

WHATYOUMUST DO

C) NON-AERIAL APPLICATIONS OF HERBICIDES NEARWATERIf you are carrying out direct applications of herbicides into water bodies, or near waterbodies where there is a significant risk of contaminating ground and/or surface waterbodies (including land which may be susceptible to flooding), you must consult SEPA.Application form for non-aerial application of herbicides near water should becompleted and submitted to SEPA 21 days in advance of commencing the herbicidetreatment. The form will be available online at www.sepa.org.uk and from SEPA offices.Contact details for SEPA’s offices can be found on www.sepa.org.uk or from the SEARScontact number 08452 30 20 50. Further details are given on the form.

You are also required to consult SNH not less than 72 hours before you intend to carryout aerial application of herbicide, even if the land to be sprayed does not have anynature conservation designation on it, but is within 1500m of an SSSI. The applicationform for aerial application of herbicide for bracken control allows you to give SEPAauthorisation to consult SNH where appropriate on your behalf. In order to allow yourapplication to be given full consideration, you are strongly advised to submit it as earlyas possible (preferably 21 days in advance of the intended treatment). Remember that ifthe application relates to a site designated for its nature conservation interest there arespecial rules described in Section A above.

There are also other consultations and notifications which must be carried out if youcarry out aerial spraying, as described in the table below.

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SOURCES OF ADVICEADVICE ON BRACKEN MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING PREPARINGBRACKEN MANAGEMENT PLANS ANDAPPLYING FOR GRANTS, ISAVAILABLE FROMA RANGE OF LAND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTSAND FROM ORGANISATIONS SUCHAS THOSE LISTED BELOW.

Farming AndWildlife Advisory Group ScotlandAlgo Business Centre, Glenearn Road, Perth, PH2 ONJTel: 01738 [email protected]/contact.htm

Scottish Agricultural CollegeMark Ballingall, Senior Arable Consultant, SAC,Sandpiper House, Ruthvenfield Industrial Estate,Perth, PH1 3EETel 01738 636611Fax 01738 627860email: [email protected] address: www.sac.co.uk

The Heather TrustNewtonrigg, Holywood,Dumfries, DG2 0RATel/Fax: 01387 723201Web: www.heathertrust.co.ukemail: [email protected]

Game andWildlife Conservation TrustNorthern Scotland: Ian McCall, GWCT Scottish HQ, Couston, Newtyle, Perthshire PH128UT. Tel: 01828 650543; Fax: 01828 650560; Email: [email protected] Scotland:Hugo Straker, Garvald Grange, Garvald, East Lothian EH41 4LL.Tel: 01620 830230; Fax: 01620 830303; email: [email protected]

Advice on managing bracken on organic holdings can be obtained fromSoil Association Scotland, Tower Mains,18c Liberton Brae, Edinburgh EH16 6AETel 0131 6662474 [email protected] web www.soilassociation.org

Advice on control of bracken on designated sites is available from SNH. Contactdetails for SNH’s offices can be found on www.snh.org.uk or from the SEARS contactnumber 08452 30 20 50.

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Advice on any aerial application of herbicide or non-aerial application of herbicide inor near water is available from SEPA. Contact details for SEPA’s offices can be found onwww.sepa.org.uk or from the SEARS contact number 08452 30 20 50.

Guidance on grants for bracken management under the SRDP is available from theScottish Government website (www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Rural/SRDP).

FURTHER INFORMATION ON BRACKENRural Development Service Technical Advice Note 23: Bracken control, vegetationrestoration and land managementwww.defra.gov.uk/rds/publications/technical/tan23.pdf

Prof. R. J. Pakeman, Macaulay Land Use Research InstituteCraigiebucklerAberdeenAB15 8QH

The Applied Vegetation Dynamics Laboratory, University of Liverpoolwww.appliedvegetationdynamics.co.uk

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThanks in particular go to the Southern Uplands Partnership for allowing their originalversion of this guidance to be updated, revised and rebranded. More information aboutthe partnership can be found at www.sup.org.uk. Much of the content of this guidance isderived from work carried out by the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute and theUniversity of Liverpool for the production of Rural Development Service Technical AdviceNote 23.

Photographs supplied by Lorne Gill/SNH and A. MacDonald.

Published by SEARS 2008.Printed and designed by RRD June 2008.RRD1k0608

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