Editing Bracken (section)

==Control==
Some small level of scattered cover can provide beneficial habitats for some wildlife, at least in the UK (as given above). However, on balance, removing bracken encourages primary habitats to re-establish, which are of greater importance for wildlife. Control is a complex question with complex answers, which need to form part of a wider approach. Management can be difficult and expensive; plans may need to be about cost-effective, practical limitation and control rather than give an expectation for eradication.

All methods need follow-up over time, starting with the advancing areas first. Given the decades elapsed to arrive at the current levels of coverage on many sites, slowing or reversing the process will be also of necessity long-term, with consistency and persistence from all parties being key.

Various techniques are recommended by [[Natural England]] and the [[RSPB]] to control bracken either individually or in combination [https://web.archive.org/web/20140815035945/http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/farming/advice/details.aspx?id=204253 RSPB Bracken management in the uplands].
* Cutting — Once or twice a year, repeatedly cutting back the fronds for at least 3 years.
* Crushing/rolling —  Using rollers, again for at least 3 years.
* Livestock treading — During winter, encouraging livestock to bracken areas with food. They trample the developing plants and allow frost to penetrate the [[rhizomes]]. In May and June, temporary close grazing or mob stocking on small areas away from nests, particularly using cattle, horses, pigs, or ponies may crush emerging bracken fronds resulting in reduced bracken cover. Sufficient fodder will be required to prevent livestock eating the bracken. This may suit steep areas where human access is difficult and herbicide undesirable.
* Herbicide — [[Asulam]] (also known as Asulox) is selective for ferns; [[glyphosate]] is not; but the latter has the advantage that the effects can be seen soon after application. They are applied when the fronds are fully unfurled to ensure that the chemical is fully absorbed. Rare ferns such as adder's tongue (''[[Ophioglossum vulgatum]]''), killarney (''[[Trichomanes speciosum]]'') and lemon-scented ferns can also be found in similar habitats and it is important that these are not destroyed in the process of bracken control.
[[Natural England]] recommends that only Asulam can be sprayed aerially, Glyphosate requires spot treatment, e.g. using a weedwiper or knapsack spray. The toxicity of Asulam is low and has been generally highly cost-effective but its use is now restricted by the EU after 2012, at least until specific registered uses can be defined.

Selective sprays like Starane, Access, Metsulfuron 600WG, etc. work well but only if sprayed in late autumn so the rhizomes store food for winter and hence absorb the poison.

On archaeological sites, chemical control is usually required as mechanical methods may cause damage.
* Allowing plants to grow in its place, e.g., the establishment of woodland, causes shade that inhibits bracken growth. In the UK, trees, notably rowan, have done well since grazing reduced greatly after the foot-and-mouth epidemic in 2000 but young saplings struggle in high bracken. In decades to come and if permitted, tree shade cover may increase and so may reduce bracken growth, but this is both long-term and in some cases is contentious in the change it would bring to traditionally open heath or moorland, both aesthetically and as a valuable habitat.
* Burning — Useful for removing the litter, but may be counter-productive as bracken is considered to be a fire-adapted species.
* Ploughing — Late in the season followed by sowing seed.

Any bracken control programme must be completed, or bracken will re-establish.

A Bracken Control Group was established in 2012 to provide best-practice guidance for all bracken control techniques. The Group has also been responsible for submitting an application for an Emergency Authorisation to secure the continued availability of Asulam for bracken control, following the decision not to register the product under new regulations in the EU. Registration has been re-applied for but this will not be available until 2017 at the earliest. Until re-registration is approved the Group will aim to keep Asulam available under the emergency provisions.  [http://www.brackencontrol.co.uk Bracken Control Group website]

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Image:Adelaarsvaren planten Pteridium aquilinum.jpg|''Pteridium aquilinum''
Image:Tylerfinvold023 bracken ferns.jpg|Fronds of bracken
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