Bracken
Pteridium aquilinum
UK Green ListEasy to see📍 Lake District
Season
Year-round. Green April to October.
Best time of day
Any. That carpet.
Lake District
Everywhere. The fells. Woodland edge. That green carpet. Uncurls in spring. Invasive. Carcinogenic. Don't camp in it. Don't breathe the spores. Ticks like it.
UK population
Widespread. Invasive.
Overview
Bracken is everywhere. That green carpet. Uncurls in spring. Invasive. Carcinogenic. Don't camp in it. Don't breathe the spores. Ticks like it. The fells. Woodland edge.
At a Glance
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Dennstaedtiaceae |
| Habitat | Acid ground · Woodland edge · Moorland |
| UK population | Widespread. Invasive. |
| Lake District | Everywhere. The fells. Woodland edge. That green carpet. Uncurls in spring. Invasive. Carcinogenic. Don't camp in it. Don't breathe the spores. Ticks like it. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Everywhere on acid ground. The fells, woodland edge. That green carpet. Uncurls in spring. Invasive. Carcinogenic.
Identification
Fern. Uncurls. Green carpet. Invasive. Ticks. Don't camp in it.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Everywhere. Don't camp in it. Ticks. Carcinogenic. Invasive.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.