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The shield ferns have this characteristic "thumb" on the leaflets of the fronds and the spores cover both the leaflets and the thumb - you can just about make this out in one or two of the leaflets. Soft shield fern is also as its name suggests softer to the touch than hard shield fern and although it isn't a conclusive identification feature I know a few botanists who use "feel" to confirm that they've discovered a P. setiferum plant.
Banks of River Weaver near Kingsley, Cheshire 21st February 2005
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Added on 5th March 2005