Crushing Bracken

[jb1]

If spraying is an option I believe a product called Thrust is very effective

I've had good results using Rosate, no need to go for silly expensive products. Off hand I think it was about £40 for 5ltr.

 

[jall55]

keep up the good work. I can assure you that pulling it up does work. I was at the same stage as you few years ago. You start getting a real hawk eye for spotting HB. Go back in two weeks and check for flowers or wander down the opposite bank of even wade in the water. Next year there will only be a few plants and the year after that none.

I still have to patrol because I have seed coming downstream. I blame the logging companies who move seeds around on their wheels and bring them to the headwaters. SEPA and the council do nothing.

Yes i have been on it now for maybe 10 years - but im pushing it back now on the neighbours and the neighbours neighbours

 

[muddy42]

Yes i have been on it now for maybe 10 years - but im pushing it back now on the neighbours and the neighbours neighbours

well done that man, have an OBE.

 

[jall55]

well done that man, have an OBE.

Honest to God - and having spent a good few hours today - selectively removing ragwort not covered in cinnabar caterpillars - ready for hay making next month - It actually did cross my mind that people like me really should get the awards that so many "celebs " get . The "life" i have created in a field that was just improved grass is actually incredible and moving - and to realise today starkly that i have done this over many hundred of acres was a really mega feeling

 

[Mike1979]

Honest to God - and having spent a good few hours today - selectively removing ragwort not covered in cinnabar caterpillars - ready for hay making next month - It actually did cross my mind that people like me really should get the awards that so many "celebs " get . The "life" i have created in a field that was just improved grass is actually incredible and moving - and to realise today starkly that i have done this over many hundred of acres was a really mega feeling

You have the "Smug award" ... no other award needed

 

[jall55]

You have the "Smug award" ... no other award needed

Well - yes and no
I have never been bothered about awards and all that stuff - honestly
BUT - through awards we can help to spread the word and get the message out - whatever that message may be
My neighbours are now taking an interest in conservation - I have now been discussing with FE and wildlife trusts collaborations on projects far out stripping what i can achieve myself - much of it rubbered stamped with the recognition of "awards" from Purdey / Schoffel / Marsdens / NGO

 

[Mike1979]

Well - yes and no
I have never been bothered about awards and all that stuff - honestly
BUT - through awards we can help to spread the word and get the message out - whatever that message may be
My neighbours are now taking an interest in conservation - I have now been discussing with FE and wildlife trusts collaborations on projects far out stripping what i can achieve myself - much of it rubbered stamped with the recognition of "awards" from Purdey / Schoffel / Marsdens / NGO

Sorry mate ...was a little poorly expressed.

Recognition is definitely something that is nice to have as it "shines a light" on your achievement. I do think that the feeling of self satisfaction knowing you have done a good job is also vitally important (this is what I meant by "smug").

I always commend you for trying to change "hearts and minds"