remove the tatty fronds and it should produce new ones from the middle.

That is what I was hoping to hear. In fact all are tired looking and none are fresh growth. They are all just last years leaves only. Is your advice still the same?

I would leave 2/3 fronds on just to allow it to photosynthesise. It will then still throw fronds up when it is ready.

OK. I will go for it. Many thanks Seaburn. Sounds a good idea.

I think it was in too much shade.

shade shouldn't be a problem for the fern. I have several and they are under the beech tree.