Ferns

Ferns can be found throughout Wiltshire, and are primarily woodland plants. On acid soils, the most common is often Bracken, which can grow up to 6ft in favourable conditions and often dominates large areas of ground, out competing other species, particularly in woodland clearings. Lime loving ferns include Hart's-Tongue, Wall Rue and Soft Shield Fern.

Some Small ferns such as Adder’s Tongue, Rustyback and some aquatic ferns, look very different to most other ferns as they do not have the typically divided fronds and so they can be easily missed. As well as woodlands, Adders Tongue can also be found in old meadows, while Rustyback is also found anchored in the limey mortar of walls.

Other woodland species are Lady Fern, Male Fern, Scaly Male Fern, Soft Shield Fern which is often found with Hard Shield Fern, and Broad Buckler Fern. In contrast, Narrow Buckler Fern grows in more open areas such as bogs and wet meadows. 

To find out more take a look at the County Recorders flowering plants and ferns pages