Sea Spleenwort on Oxwich Point

Despite never having taken the route before, I managed to convince Neil (Edwards) that a walk back from the point along the rocks above the splash zone would be easier than going up and down through the woods. This wasn't quite the case but we did have great views of the bay, the large rock fall that occurred the week before Christmas 2009 and we discovered a very healthy population of Sea Spleenwort (Asplenium marinum). This frost-sensitive fern grows only in close proximity to the sea, typically in or near to the splash zone. Although found all along the Gower coast this is by far the biggest population that I have come across with over 50 plants noted.

Sea Spleenwort typically growing from shady crevice

Neil putting into perspective the Oxwich rock fall