SB5: Mechanical bracken control
Find out about eligibility and requirements for the mechanical bracken control item.
How much will be paid
£190.90 per hectare (ha).
Where to use this item
- It is available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier and Higher Tier Capital Grants on a whole or part-parcel
- This supplement can also be used to control bracken on other options, such as on dry grassland, woodland (including the creation and maintenance of new woodland) or sand dunes
How this item will benefit the environment
This item is for mechanically controlling bracken. This will restore or maintain high value natural habitats and their associated wildlife, protect archaeological features and help maintain or enhance the landscape’s character.
Requirements
Agreement holders will need to agree with Natural England or, in woodland, the Forestry Commission, a specification for the work.
Keeping records
Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them on request:
- any consents or permissions connected with the work
- receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
- copies of the implementation plan or feasibility study, if one exists
Please see the record keeping and inspection requirements as set out in the relevant guidance for more detail. You can find the latest guidance at Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage.
Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them with the claim:
- photographs of the completed work
The detailed requirements for this item will be tailored to the Higher Tier site. Applicants should discuss and agree these requirements with their adviser.
Related options
You can use this item on the same are as the following options:
LH1: Management of lowland heathland
LH2: Restoration of forestry and woodland to lowland heathland
LH3: Creation of heathland from arable or improved grassland
UP2: Management of rough grazing for birds
WD1: Woodland maintenance payments following woodland creation
Advice and suggestions for how to carry out this item
The following section gives advice on carrying out this item successfully but does not form part of the requirements for this item.
Bracken control
If the application is successful one of two approaches will be followed depending on the size and complexity of the bracken problem. There is no fixed threshold, but Natural England will help with the choice.
Large sites
On larger sites, particularly where major habitat restoration is involved, a Natural England approved Implementation Plan or Feasibility Study will be needed. This will include:
- areas to be controlled
- methods of control
- follow up treatments to control re-growth
- any risks to sites of archaeological or ecological importance, soil erosion risks or effects on the landscape (short and long term)
Small sites
On smaller, less complex sites an Implementation Plan or Feasibility Study may not be needed. On such sites a simple plan may suffice, one that includes a map showing areas to be treated and dates of control.
Environmental concerns
Make sure that the planned bracken control has a minimal negative effect on other environmental interests on the site. You should follow Natural England’s bracken control guidelines.
In general, mechanical control may cause more disturbance to archaeological sites, ground nesting birds and invertebrates than chemical control. During the nesting season make sure that birds are not nesting in the treated area.
Frequency
The site should be treated twice in year 1 and this repeated for at least three years, depending on the level of success achieved.
Site regeneration
As the site regenerates, control any bracken regrowth or weeds such as nettle, thistle, dock or ragwort. More effective bracken control may result if combined with appropriate grazing, where possible, due to the effects of trampling.
Further information
Further information is available from:
- Symes, N. & Day, J. 2003. A practical guide to the restoration and management of lowland heathland, RSPB publications
- guidance on habitat management for reptiles from the ARC Trust
Read Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage to find out more information about Higher Tier including how to apply.
Last updated 4 August 2023 + show all updates
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Can be used as a standalone capital item and not just in combination with a land management option.
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Information updated for applications in 2016
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First published.