A DEMONSTRATION and conference on the management of bracken is to be held in Northumberland this summer.

The open day, "Bracken Control - Science and Practice" is organised by the International Bracken Group and takes place in the College Valley, near Wooler, on Wednesday, July 14.

Managing the invasive weed is fundamental to preserving the UK upland heather and grasslands so vital to the rural economy. About 1m hectares, an area equivalent in size to Hampshire and Lincolnshire combined and about 4pc of UK land, is covered in bracken.

At the open day, plant ecologist Dr Bill Pickering will introduce local case studies. Other speakers include: Profp Rob Marrs, a leading authority on methods of restoring more appropriate vegetation; Dr Roderick Robinson on specialist bracken management, and Simon Thorp, director of the Heather Trust, addressing upland regeneration.

The previous day, invited delegates will have a conducted tour of the demonstrations, from traditional methods, such as cutting and bruising bracken, to more modern and adaptable means of control using everything from a spotgun to aerial or tractor/ATV herbicide application.

The cost-effective use of various environmentally-friendly herbicides cleared for bracken will be discussed, along with their timing and the importance of follow-up treatment.

The essential role of heather in upland regeneration, taking into account long-term land use for grouse shooting and sheep farming, will be emphasised alongside control methods suitable for organic farms and areas such as SSIs.

Robert Dick, event organiser, said there was even a demonstration of a revolutionary technique of road making, as access was so often a stumbling block in the hills.

To attend, send an SAE for an open day flyer and further information to the IBG Secretarial Office, 1 Towers Close, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1DH.