Experiment at Bracken Field Lab located within Denton Reserve, Yorkshire
The Bracken Field Lab, a collaborative project under Innovative Farmers, recently held an event at Denton Reserve in Yorkshire. The event aimed to explore and promote mechanical and biological methods for managing bracken, an invasive plant that poses a significant challenge to farmers and the environment.
Rob Bunn, who served as the facilitator for the North section, welcomed a group of 30 individuals, including farmers, National Landscape officers, estate managers, and farmer advisors. The group embarked on a tour of Denton Reserve, learning about mechanical bracken management from Andrew Letten and his Dales Horse, Charlie.
The Bracken Field Lab focuses on sustainable bracken management techniques, such as mechanical cutting and grazing by animals, to control bracken without the use of chemicals. This approach reduces reliance on chemical herbicides, contributing to more sustainable farming practices.
Notable success stories from farmers like Julia Horner, Bill Grayson, and Paul Renison were shared during the event. These farmers have implemented mechanical bracken control measures that align with Innovative Farmers’ objectives of sustainability and cost-effectiveness in managing bracken-infested land. Their experiences showcased how integrating animal grazing and mechanical management can yield positive environmental and economic results.
Paul Renison, a Cumbrian farmer, concluded the session by sharing his successful methods for managing bracken with his certified herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle. Robin Pakeman, an academic partner from the James Hutton Institute, provided insights into the bracken plant, making for a fascinating addition to the event.
The Bracken Field Lab has facilitated on-farm trials that demonstrate effective mechanical bracken management. These trials highlight the use of animals—such as livestock grazing—as a biological control method that reduces costs and restores habitats while managing bracken.
Reports and findings from the Bracken Field Lab will be shared in the coming months. The project continues to work towards finding sustainable and cost-effective solutions for managing bracken, contributing to the overall goal of promoting more sustainable farming practices.
[1] Innovative Farmers. (n.d.). Bracken Field Lab. Retrieved from https://innovativefarmers.org/project/bracken-field-lab/
[1] The Bracken Field Lab, with a focus on sustainable lifestyle and home-and-garden practices, is investigating outdoor-living solutions for managing bracken, an invasive plant. [2] Successful farmers like Julia Horner, Bill Grayson, and Paul Renison, by integrating animal grazing and mechanical management, have demonstrated how such practices can lead to positive environmental and economic results in their properties, aligning with the sustainability objectives of Innovative Farmers.
