Ferns are among the most ancient plants on Earth. Grouped with their allies (clubmosses, horsetails, quillworts, moonworts, and others) they are commonly referred to as the Pteridophytes – although the precise taxonomy is often, and vigorously, disputed. What is not, however, disputed is that Dr. James Merryweather is an ecologist of particular renown and respect. Wide-reaching in his areas of interest, he is particularly well-known among pteridology enthusiasts for his many books and articles addressing the identification and understanding of these intriguing plants.