It is most abundant in Ireland, Great Britain, Brittany, Galicia, Canary Islands, Madeira and the Azores, but is also found in other locations including France, Spain, Portugal and Italy.

[5] This fern has an unusual life cycle, with a perennial gametophyte phase with an active vegetative reproduction.

Once found on Arran, it was thought to be extinct in Scotland due to the activities of Victorian collectors,[6] but the species has been discovered on Skye in its gametophyte form.

[8] It is found mostly near the western coasts of the United Kingdom and Ireland and at scattered locations inland.

In Britain, it is largely restricted to damp, shady, sheltered locations such as ravines,[11] although in Ireland it occupies a wider range of habitats.