Ferns of the UK: Male & Buckler Ferns

The Male and Buckler Ferns (Dryopteris) are a widespread and diverse genus found across a variety of habitats throughout the British Isles. While several species are common, others have more restricted distributions.

We will provide an overview of the key morphological features essential for accurate identification, along with recommendations for the most useful identification resources. The session will cover the identification of the five most widespread species in detail and offer insights into six additional range-restricted species.

Designed for those working or volunteering in botany and conservation—including amateur naturalists, ecologists, site managers, and conservation volunteers—this webinar will equip participants with the skills needed to improve their field identification.

Please note that this session will not cover the identification of fern hybrids.

Widespread species

• Dryopteris affinis (Western Scaly Male Fern)
• Dryopteris borreri (Borrer's Scaly Male Fern)
• Dryopteris carthusiana (Narrow Buckler Fern)
• Dryopteris dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern)
• Dryopteris filix-mas (Male Fern)

Localised species

• Dryopteris aemula (Hay-scented Buckler fern)
• Dryopteris cambrensis (Narrow Scaly Male Fern)
• Dryopteris submontana (Limestone Buckler Fern)
• Dryopteris oreades (Mountain Male Fern)
• Dryopteris expansa (Northern Buckler Fern)
• Dryopteris cristata (Crested Buckler Fern)

The 90-minute event will consist of a 1-hour presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience.

The presentations will be recorded and shared with those who booked alongside Q&A transcripts and relevant links following the event via a password-protected website.

Skills For Ecology Webinars

Our Skill For Ecology webinars focus on technical skills useful in ecology and conservation roles, such as use of technology, field surveying and practical conservation skills.

This webinar is part of a series focusing on the identification and ecology of ferns and their allies in the UK:

1. Identifying Ferns & Allies (Tue 12 Aug 2025 18:30 - 20:00)
2. Ferns of the UK: Spleenworts (Tue 14 Oct 2025 18:30 - 20:00)
3. Ferns of the UK: Male & Buckler Ferns (Tue 16 Dec 2025 18:30 - 20:00)

Botany Specialist: Henry Miller

Henry Miller is a botanist working on Species Conservation Assessments at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, on projects in Ethiopia and tropical America. At Kew, he is also researching the taxonomy of Asian buckthorns (Rhamnaceae) using DNA sequencing. Outside of work, Henry is the co-recorder for Middlesex with the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland, and for the botany section of the London Natural History Society. He enjoys learning about and identifying a wide range of species.