Stands of bracken occur in well-drained acidic soils. The bracken can be dense with little but leaf litter beneath or it can support a poor grassy or heathy understorey. Spring flowering woodland herbs such as bluebell and primrose may be abundant.

Dense bracken has little forage value and will suppress tree regeneration. Cattle and to a lesser extent sheep may reduce the density of bracken stands and increase the abundance of grass or heath species by trampling and breaking up the leaf litter. Pigs are effective at breaking up the rhizomes and leaf litter. However stock may reduce the abundance of spring-flowering herbs.

In section 6 of these guidance notes you will find guidance on setting stocking densities in woodland containing significant areas of this habitat.

Sheltered stands of bracken in woodland mosaics may support pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies.