Bracken Field Lab event at Denton Reserve in Yorkshire
We had our latest Bracken Field Lab event at Denton Reserve in Yorkshire last week, part of our work with Innovative Farmers.
Rob Bunn, our facilitator for the North, reports back on the day and findings.
“After a delicious lunch at Denton Reserves’ own pub, the Penny Bun, a group of 30 Field Lab farmers, National Landscape officers, estate managers and farmer advisors, toured Denton Reserve before arriving on the moor to learn more about mechanical bracken management with Andrew Letten and his Dales Horse, Charlie (pictured).
“Returning to the pub for refreshments, we then spent the remainder of the afternoon, giving an overview of the IF & PfL Bracken Field Lab, hearing from 2 of the 8 Field Lab farmers, Julia Horner and Bill Grayson.
“Robin Pakeman, academic partner from the James Hutton Institute, gave a fascinating insight into the bracken plant, before Cumbrian farmer Paul Renison concluded the session by sharing how he has been successfully managing bracken with his certified herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle through focussed livestock impact, utilising bale grazing and salt block distribution in areas of high bracken density on the farm.”
We will keep you posted with on Bracken Field Lab reports and findings in the coming months.