Maidenhair ferns are one of more distinctive groups of ferns to grow, with the often fan-shaped pinnae (leaves) are borne on thin, lustrous, black stems. There are over 200 species, across the world, with most unfortunately not hardy for a UK garden. However if you have a sheltered garden, or grow them in pots, this will expand your choice. Otherwise grow in shadier, cooler spots, with reasonable moisture. A. capillus-veneris is a rare species in the wild in the UK, restricted primarily to sea cliffs and caves in the south-west.
In common with most ferns, adiantums have few specific wildlife attributes, but it can provide a degree of ground cover for invertebrates and amphibians.