Moor the merrier

Scotland’s Moorland Forum has considered the decision made on 20 September by a European committee that will ban the selective herbicide Asulam that is used for the control of bracken.

The majority view of the forum is one of dismay. The concern stems from the vital role that this targeted treatment plays in the control of bracken in areas where access is difficult.

Without the ability to apply Asulam, which is the only product authorised for application from a helicopter, it is likely that the area occupied by bracken will continue to expand.

This will damage moorland species diversity, and reduce the conservation status and agricultural value of many iconic and remote rural areas of Scotland.

Members of the forum are working with the Scottish Government in its efforts to alleviate this situation and will support the manufacturers of Asulam in any application that will lead to the product’s reinstatement as early as possible.

In the meantime, members of the forum urge Defra, which acts for the whole of the UK on this issue, to search for a short-term solution to this problem.

Lord Lindsay

Scotland’s Moorland Forum

Newtonrigg

Holywood, Dumfries