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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 brackenmanagement@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
This webinar is part of the Bracken Learning Network and will focus on animal health considerations associated with non chemical bracken management. The network brings together farmers, researchers and advisers to improve understanding of bracken management and its impacts on livestock, soils and wider farm systems.
Our guest speaker is Alan Murphy BVMS DBR MSc (Applied Toxicology) MRCVS, Veterinary Lead for Toxicology and Chemical Feed and Food Safety within the Surveillance Intelligence Unit at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Alan will provide an overview of the animal health risks associated with bracken exposure.
The session will conclude with a short update on current research topics and survey findings from the Bracken Learning Network.
Tickets available here: Non Chemical Bracken Management - Animal Health Considerations Webinar Tickets, Wed, Feb 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite.
This webinar marks the launch of the new Non-Chemical Bracken Management Learning Network, bringing together farmers, researchers, and advisors to share experiences, discuss early findings from the two existing bracken field labs, and build a community of practice around sustainable bracken control.
Innovative farmers are currently funding two field labs exploring non-chemical bracken control using mechanical and livestock methods. These on-farm trials explore practical alternatives to chemical spraying, including machinery and livestock grazing, supported by researchers and land managers.
In this webinar, we're joined by the trialists and other members of the group, including: Tabitha Acton- Farming Advisor, Soil Association; Fiona Daley - Farmer, Innovative Farmers livestock management trialist; Diarmid Baird - Farmer, Innovative Farmers mechanical bracken management trialist.
Webinar available online here: Non Chemical Bracken Management Webinar.
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.
September 2025
19th November 2025
18th February 2026
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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.
