Knottman’s Fern Guide. Part 10

This one is rather special.
It is Maidenhair Fern  ( Adiantum capillus-veneris )
It is uncommon. In north west England there are five places where it grows. Elsewhere it can be found in a limited number of sites near the coast in Wales and in Devon and Cornwall.
It particularly prefers to grow on calcareous cliffs by the sea where there is a year long trickle of water seeping down the cliff face.
Here in Arnside it has found such a place. The seepage has continued through the dry summer.
It is quite tough really as it survives the wind driven sea salt in winter storms. I have also blipped shots in the past showing large icicles hanging through the foliage.