Bracken Control

Date published: 23 November, 2018

For recent changes to this guidance, please see the bottom of the page.

This capital item is to fund the removal of bracken to clear planting positions free of vegetation.

It can only be applied for in conjunction with a woodland creation option.

Operations to clear bracken will preferably be completed prior to initial planting; or exceptionally during the year of planting.

This standard cost is available for all woodland creation options.

A minimum of two hectares of contiguous bracken requiring treatment must be present.

You must not treat bracken by chemical or mechanical means within identified sensitive areas or buffer zones, however, manual means can be employed but this must be clearly delineated on your map.

Treatment of bracken can be carried out by:

chemical treatment – spraying must use an approved chemical for bracken control. If aerial spraying, the spray operator must have a permit from the Chemicals Regulation Directorate. If spraying near water you must have Scottish Environment Protection Agency authorisation
mechanical treatment – bracken should be controlled using machines with appropriate fittings to cut, roll, or flail. Control must be undertaken at least twice during the growing season
manual treatment – bracken should be whipped early in the growing season to sever the tender young bracken fronds before they are hardened off. The fronds may be cut cleanly by hand using light whips, made from slender hardwood stems, or thin metal rods. Control must be undertaken at least twice during the growing season