Bracken Control Group

Latest Newsletters

• 13 Oct 2023
  BCG Newsletter - Asulam: UPL Support Withdrawn

  UPL, the manufacturers of asulam, have announced today that a decision has been taken to cease further work on a permanent solution for the use of asulam. UPL's letter confirming this is attached.
  
  Having only been announced this morning, the full implications of this decision have yet to be evaluated. However, it is clear that without the support and evidence that UPL would have provided, the application for an emergency authorisation to allow the use of asulam in 2024 cannot succeed; therefore, an application will not be submitted. This will mean that there will be no asulam (Asulox) available for bracken control in 2024 and beyond.
  
  This is disappointing news, but the bracken threat is not going away, and without the controlling influence of asulam, it is likely to increase.
  
  The meeting for the Sector Representatives of the Bracken Control Group will still be held on 31st October and it will provide an opportunity to discuss what happens next in relation to bracken and its control. A cross-sector workshop / seminar / conference could be considered to allow all views to be aired.
  
  Your feedback about this development will be welcomed. The news will also be announced over the BCG's new social media channels. Twitter / X: @GroupBracken Instagram: @groupbracken

• 29 Sep 2023
  BCG Newsletter September 2023

  See the attached PDF document

• 12 Jul 2023
  Northern Ireland refuse permission to use asulam.

  Northern Ireland has refused to grant approval to use asulam for bracken control in 2023.
  
  This decision means that, as in Scotland and Wales, chemical control of bracken in Northern Ireland will not be possible and bracken control will be restricted to physical methods: cutting, bruising, trampling, pulling etc.
  The refusal letter is available on the Asulam page of the website.
  https://www.brackencontrol.co.uk/asulam

• 08 Jul 2023
  BCG Newsletter July 2023

  Asulam for Bracken Control Update - please see the attached PDF document

• 21 Jun 2023
  Scotland and Wales refuse permission to use asulam.

  Scotland and Wales have refused to grant approval to use asulam for bracken control in 2023. The decision for Northern Ireland has not yet been announced.
  
  This decision means it will only be possible to use asulam in England this year and that control in Scotland and Wales will be restricted to physical methods: cutting, bruising, trampling, pulling etc.
  
  The formal notification will be issued tomorrow and further details will be made available on the BCG website.