Use of Amidosulfuron Natural England Position July 2020
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In light of the additional Emergency Authorisation for the ground-based application of Asulam for bracken control in certain circumstances, and following an assessment of the readily available data on environmental risks, NE will not issue consent on SSSIs for amidosulfuron use for bracken control except on geological sites where there are no biological features of interest, until we have a more complete understanding of relative risks. Anyone concerned should contact protectedsites@naturalengland.org.uk
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NE’s technical advice to RPA for agri-environment agreements is to advise against the use of amidosulfuron for the control of bracken except on geological sites and on a case by case basis for historic sites where there are no additional biodiversity objectives.
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Please note that NEs position only covers the use of amidosulfuron for bracken control not for other uses.
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NE’s position is for 2020 only. We will be working on the consequences of this for the longer term and will provide further updates as appropriate.
Scottish Natural Heritage has endorsed the views set out in Natural England's statement, above.