Eston Bank

Eston Bank has been plagued by arsonists this Spring. In one report the fire service were trying to extinguish a fire in one area, at the same time the arsonists would be lighting another one elsewhere. Almost taunting the fire service.

But nature is quick to restore. Bracken rhizomes go too deep into the earth to be killed off. It’s a particularly invasive plant which dominates all other vegetation. In a few weeks the bracken could reach two metres high smothering all other plants. Although the leaf litter has been burnt which will help other plants establish themselves bracken produces toxins in the soil which inhibit their growth.

Apparently the young bracken fronds, called fiddleheads, can be eaten. But as bracken spores are also said to be carcinogenic I wouldn’t want to risk it.