Bracken: South Valley
Control the spread of bracken
1
Species management option B2 control and reduction
- Control
bracken by cutting, pulling and chemicals (Asulux) in areas:-
- near to
cliff edges and Puffin colonies.
- where
invasion of maritime grassland and heathland is taking place.
- where
open grassland is threatened.
- where
inland heath is being inundated.
Refer to 1989 map attached
- Monitor
the distribution of bracken by mapping
- by
ground survey very 5 years and in association with -
- aerial
surveys every 10 years.
- Promote
the survey of Bracken habitats to further understand the areas
important to the Skomer Vole
- Monitor
the recovery to habitat types in areas where bracken has been
removed
2 Study &
research option C2 specialist facility
- Promote
research into the impact of bracken on Puffin and Manx Shearwater
colonies
- Promote
research into age structure and response to ageing of bracken
stands.
- Promote
research into the effects of gull colonies on bracken areas.
- Promote
further research on the use by Skomer Voles of bracken as a habitat
and as a food. Particularly in respect of the lack of carcinogenic
affect on the voles.
- Promote
further studies of the inter-relationship between Bracken, Skomer
Voles and Short-eared Owls.
3
Education and interpretation option D3 active
publicity
- In the
form of an interpretative display explain the spread of Bracken,
the effects on other species and the soil, its control and its
association with Skomer Voles and Bluebells and other plants.
- Similarly
explain in reserve guides these features and the management of
Bracken.
