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Upland farmers and land managers have battled bracken for centuries. The loss of a key chemical option in 2023 has put the spotlight back on non-chemical control methods.
The new learning network will create space for sharing experiences, ideas and practical solutions, while supporting fresh on-farm research to build knowledge and improve bracken management in the uplands.
This trial builds on two successful and popular field labs looking at livestock management of bracken and mechanical management of bracken.
We’d like to run further trials, as well as draw experiences and learnings from others around the country.
Want to get involved?
To sign up contact tacton@soilassociation.org
Take our short survey to share your views and ideas to help shape the new learning network
This field lab learning network is funded by the Rothschild Foundation
We have commissioned Lee-Anne Oliver BVM&S MSc Cert AVP (cattle)(sheep) MRCVS of Ruminant Revival to produce a report on the implications on health for livestock being used for bracken management. You can find it in our reports and results section by clicking on the brown banner above.
Soil Association
Northumberland
Tabitha joined the Soil Association from previous roles within the NFU as county advisor for Northumberland and AHDB as a Knowledge Exchange Manager within the Farm Economics and Beef and Lamb teams covering the North of England. This experience sits alongside farming at home with her partner on a hill farm in Northumberland producing pedigree sheep and cattle.
Tabitha’s academic background lies within the human health sector with a BSc Hons in Biomedicine and Nutrition and a MRes in Immunobiology from Newcastle University. Tabitha’s main focus is on the practical application of research within the farming sector and supporting businesses to be in the best position moving forward.
