This is the Maidenhair Fern which needs to be distinguished from the Maidenhair Spleenwort an entirely different species with a similar sounding vernacular name. In the Burren you can find this plant growing in the grikes (gaps in the limestone pavement) in certain places but you need to know where to look because much of the limestone pavement has little or none growing.

It is found mostly on the west coast of Ireland and in the south of England particularly the south west but some has arrived at places further north like the Lancashire coast. There is a little in Wales and none in Scotland.

Limestone pavement of Burren next to coast road, County Clare, Ireland 12th June 2003

Updated on Oct 4th 06, updated 21st Jun 08, updated Feb 20th 10, updated after SE3 19th Apr 10, updated 26th Feb 12