Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern)

 Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern) Click over to enlarge

Photo: Burton Fell, Hutton Roof on 23rd May 2019

Showing Crozier just starting to unravel

We don't get a lot of this particular fern on the Hutton Roof side because it favours acid soils (not limestone), but here and there (up to 4 previous records I have so far) we do get small pockets were you get a build up of soils, thus supporting the species.

If you go on the opposite side of Dalton to the Keer Valley, this species is very common on the large sloping banks to the small River Keer.

Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern) Click over to enlarge

Photo: Burton Fell, Hutton Roof on 23rd May 2019

Showing Crozier just starting to unravel

I like this photo in particular because it shows the varying stages of the croziers and their unravelling process

Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern)

Photo: 21st May 2015 crozier unravelling - Dalton Crags

 Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern)

Photo taken 9th February 2019 - Dalton Crags (Click over to enlarge)

Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern)

Photo taken 9th February 2019 - Dalton Crags (Click over to enlarge)

Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern)

Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern) - Click over to enlarge
Photo: taken 23rd August 2017 in Dalton Crags

I have so far identified three small areas were this species is recorded on the whole of Hutton Roof, although I am sure there will be more undiscovered small pockets. 1) is near the first escarpment after leaving Plain Quarry, Another is at the entrance to a badger set.  The species grows on acid soil and is plentiful if you go over the other side of Dalton in the "Keer Valley".