I think you should destroy the bracken, especially with little ones about. You could dig it up if it is a small area, or keep it cut to ground level to weaken it to death eventually. During the school hold. a good dose of a strong weedkiller would be my best bet.
They aren't allowed to use chemicals in school gardens, just slave labour.
I don't think it's field maple, I have that in my hedge and the leaves are much smaller. Maple leaves usually have a small point at the end of each fingery bit (technical term there) if you look closely. I actually think it looks like some sort of fig, probably totally wrong but that was my initial thought.
Agreed, Mrs. G., that is definitely not a field maple, well not a bog standard one anyway. Arguably not a wildlife garden type plant at all? Surely unless a wildlife garden is restricted to British wildlife plants and flowers the real value of the learning is lost?
Mrs G fig was my first thought as well but I discarded it as an unlikely plant in a school wildlife garden. A few more photos of that one would be good Stipa
Ah but schools will accept whatever freebies you give them. I planted a fig in the last school I taught at because I had one spare and I thought the birds could eat the fruit. New fig growth is fairly brittle, can you snap a bit off easily? Maples tend to be more flexible. Fig leaves are also much thicker and fleshier than maple.
Good post Mike, I live on the edge of Dartmoor where they used to burn it off, because it kills everything, and I think its poisonous to sheep, havent seen it done for a few years now, dont think they are allowed, but it definitely killed off chunks of our conifer, it s not the same as the ferns and the spores can cause cancer, I wouldnt have it around children when it releases them.
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
I live in the New Forest and I believe it looks pretty much like the bracken we have here in abundance. If we are not absolutely sure my vote would be not to take any risks and have it removed. If in doubt whip it out.......
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I thought it was
In the sticks near Peterborough
I think you should destroy the bracken, especially with little ones about. You could dig it up if it is a small area, or keep it cut to ground level to weaken it to death eventually. During the school hold. a good dose of a strong weedkiller would be my best bet.
They aren't allowed to use chemicals in school gardens, just slave labour.
I don't think it's field maple, I have that in my hedge and the leaves are much smaller. Maple leaves usually have a small point at the end of each fingery bit (technical term there) if you look closely. I actually think it looks like some sort of fig, probably totally wrong but that was my initial thought.
Agreed, Mrs. G., that is definitely not a field maple, well not a bog standard one anyway. Arguably not a wildlife garden type plant at all? Surely unless a wildlife garden is restricted to British wildlife plants and flowers the real value of the learning is lost?
Mrs G fig was my first thought as well but I discarded it as an unlikely plant in a school wildlife garden. A few more photos of that one would be good Stipa
In the sticks near Peterborough
Ah but schools will accept whatever freebies you give them. I planted a fig in the last school I taught at because I had one spare and I thought the birds could eat the fruit. New fig growth is fairly brittle, can you snap a bit off easily? Maples tend to be more flexible. Fig leaves are also much thicker and fleshier than maple.
Yes, I don't suppose much gets turned down unless it's poisonous
In the sticks near Peterborough
Good post Mike, I live on the edge of Dartmoor where they used to burn it off, because it kills everything, and I think its poisonous to sheep, havent seen it done for a few years now, dont think they are allowed, but it definitely killed off chunks of our conifer, it s not the same as the ferns and the spores can cause cancer, I wouldnt have it around children when it releases them.
I live in the New Forest and I believe it looks pretty much like the bracken we have here in abundance. If we are not absolutely sure my vote would be not to take any risks and have it removed. If in doubt whip it out.......
I agree with Nutcutlet - bottom picture is Acer campestre. Top picture is bracken.