There is a bit of a to do in Britain about The Menace of Bracken. That, in fact is the heading of a shortish item in the October issue of the Field. The new Moorland Association Bracken Control Group (who they?) warns that this plant must be stopped in its destructive tracks or "it will simply spread unabated, with serious consequences for the countryside, local economies and internationally important wildlife habitats."
Why is it so bad? Well, it harbours ticks, says the group, which in turn harm farm stock and moorland nesting birds, and even "swamps open and grazing areas." This is apparently a critical year in the proper management of the plant, for the Bracken Advisory Commission, an independent body set up by scientists, according to the Field, predicted a high sporing summer, extending into October.
This high sporing occurs roughly every four years. In 1989 the British National Forestry Commission issued workers in bracken areas with face masks.
They say the best control is by spraying with chemicals from helicopters or "all terrain vehicles", or by hand. "This is a battle we have to win", says their group chairman, George Winn Darley.
That's in Britain. In this country, we don't seem to be so worked up about it, though certain dangers are recognised. A call to the Department of Agriculture information section as to whether bracken was classed as a noxious weed, and if so, did they have a comment on it or a pamphlet, was answered with "No" in both cases. But the querist was directed to Donal Synnott, director of the National Botanic Gardens.
Mr Synnott said that, yes, bracken was a dangerous plant, but that it wasn't a matter for spreading panic. In August and later the spores can come in clouds and are definitely harmful to humans. If they lodge in your breathing apparatus they can bring about an effect like that of Farmer's Lung. Animals can also die from eating not just bracken, but also from a plant named male fern.
But generally animals, he said, know what is good for them and will abstain. However, if there is nothing else about to eat in, say winter, they may indulge and could get "the staggers." But no panic over bracken. Just care.