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This common fern has been around for a very long time – fossils over 55 million years old have been found. Unfortunately it tends to dominate other plants and can spread rapidly. This, combined with its toxicity and the decline in its use for animal bedding, tanning, fertiliser and in the production of glass and soap, has led to its removal in many places. There was a government eradication programme, and some water companies use special filters to remove the spores. The toxi