For over sixty years research has been carried out on the ecology, management and control of bracken. Much of this has been aimed at discovering the best methods of control where it has invaded plant communities of higher conservation value, such as heathland and unimproved grassland. More recent research has focussed on the damage it may do to archaeology. Conflicts between different environmental interests can arise where bracken is present. Where they do it is important that any decisions on management are made in the light of the best information available and that the proposals are sustainable. This note identifies some of the issues and suggests priorities in a number of conflict situations.