Letter: Deep roots

Bracken is a difficult plant to eliminate because of its rooting system ("It's green, it's pretty, and gives you cancer", 4 August). The use of herbicide can only be the first step in a long-term programme of land management. Until two or three generations ago, agriculture held it back - large amounts were cut in its growing season for animal bedding. Some conservation bodies are now returning to this practice.

Ronald Eyres

London NW5