Bracken pulling heroines

by Mike McCart

A huge thank you to two bracken pulling heroines, Judy Rous and Pam Murphy. For many years now, when they have been walking their dogs on Little Lynchmere common, they have stopped at their adopted patch and pulled up bracken. Leaving the bracken in a tidy pile to the side. Judy and Pam often compare notes on who has pulled out the most stems in a morning or afternoon.

Why don't we like bracken
Bracken is a native but invasive species that creates a thick layer that smothers heather, it inhibits generation; creating a monoculture. The most effective way to eradicate bracken is by pulling it up over three or four successive years in the same area. 

How to pull bracken
We recommend gloves as this pesky plant can be sharp. If you grab it in two hands and slowly pull upwards the shoot normally gives. If you pull sideways on, it often snaps and you only lop off the top. Another observation is the younger shoots almost always snap, so it can be better to wait a day or two, and then pull the whole thing out when a little larger.

When to pull bracken
All year round but Spring through Autumn the best times. Once it has turned for Autumn the effort has less value.

Next Bracken Bashing session:
Sunday 6th July: 10am–12:30pm

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​We are hosting multiple sessions throughout summer to discourage the bracken. This requires pulling and cutting it and pilling it up for collection. The bracken will be removed and used as compost for a local veg farm, Ed's Veg. The fronds make good compost for use as a soil improver.

Meet at the Lynchmere (Big) Common noticeboard, or if joining later, follow the yellow flags. 

Google maps
​What3Words

Go for it.
Feel free to pull Bracken in areas close to the footpaths. Please leave in tidy piles next to footpaths. When the pile gets big, let us know by sending us a Google drop-pin or a What3Words location.

You too can become a bracken pulling Hero

If you would like to help, or are perhaps a bit competitive, or if you walk your dog regularly on any of our Commons please feel free to pull, pull, pull up the bracken.

You can do it alone, or in a team or with your school. Simply email us and adopt a patch. Let us know and we can judge the winning zones.

Ed Brooks, of Ed's Veg, would love to collect the piles of bracken to help fertilise his crop. It's a win win for conservation.

​Picture your name or school on the leaderboard!​
 
2023
2024
2025
Judy
Winner
 
 
Pam
 
Winner
 
Your name
 
 
 
Your school
 
 
 

Register as a volunteer

You can volunteer with us by getting stuck into practical conservation work or by doing surveys and other less strenuous tasks. Everyone is welcome, you do not need to be a member to volunteer. Register here and we can inform you of coming events and opportunities.

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Photography by Peter Searight. The Remarkable Studio
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