Firstly with the male fern, it has the ability to grow in sun or shade, although it like moist conditions it can tolerate drought when established. It can grow within a PH range of 4.5 to 7 Toxic compounds in the plant make it unpallitable even to browsing deer.
The only thing it does not seem to like is heavy clay.
Bramble, A highly adaptable and versatile plant, it will grow best on the sunnier woodland edge and attract many insect polinaters but can also be found in open wooded areas in a miniaturised form where its arching stems can root easily into the leaf-litter, thus regenerating itsef vegetavly.
The thorns on the stems and backs of leaves secure it from heavy browsing.
As a gardener I think the bramble is more adaptable and will soon colonise any neglected ground. Regards Tbird+