Bracken: an increasing problem and a threat to health

Abstract

In the United Kingdom, for every two hectares of farming land lost each year to urban development and forestry, half to one hectare may be lost to bracken. At a wider-ranging level of assessment bracken is found in every continent of the world including Antarctica, and is already rapidly colonizing recently deforested areas of Brazil. Not only is it in direct competition with food and grazing plants, but it poses a serious threat to the health of animals and man.