A large fern with twice-divided fronds arranged in a shuttlecock.
The stalk or stipe has pale chaffy scales that thin out and become sparse on the rachis.
The sori have a kidney- shaped cover - the indusium, which starts off pale, then turns grey, then rusty brown.
The indusium tends to spread out at the edges, rather than being tucked under.
Occurrence: widespread throughout the British Isles, and often the dominant fern in limestone woodlands.
Happy in sun or shade, prefers to have reasonably well-drained soil.
Reference: http://www.ebps.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Fern-Guide01.pdf