Sphagnum moss
Sphagnum mosses carpet the ground with colour on our marshes, heaths and moors. They play a vital role in the creation of peat bogs: by storing water in their spongy forms, they prevent the decay…
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Species Showcase: Sphagnum
Sphagnum mosses are some of the most important peat-forming organisms in the UK. Healthy, low-nutrient peatlands, such as blanket bogs and raised bogs, are characterised by dense carpets of Sphagnum consisting of a multitude of individual plants. These provide a structurally complex substrate in which other organisms can thrive. Sphagnum can also be an important component of ground cover in a variety of fen types, as well as in wet woodlands ranging from fen alder carr to Atlantic oak and birch woods.
Sphagnum is a key ingredient of natural flood management
In 2008 iCASP published research that showed how water running over Sphagnum on blanket peatlands moved much more slowly (often ten times slower) than water running through sedges or bare peat.…
Study monitors single-species sphagnum plug growth on blanket bog
The study by Moors for the Future Partnership was carried out to discover the most effective methods of planting various species of sphagnum.
Introducing our species showcases
Throughout 2024, we are celebrating peatland biodiversity through a series of monthly showcases featuring a particular peatland species or species group. Our first showcase introduces the Sphagnum…
Ugie Peatland Partnership and Beam Suntory Landowner event
In February 2023, RSPB as part of the Ugie Peatland Partnership, hosted an event, co-organised and funded by Beam Suntory, to bring together landowners with peatlands in the Ugie catchment.
Volunteer group and conservation organisations join forces to improve the health of local moorland
Moors for the Future Partnership has been working with Friends of Crompton Moor carrying out sphagnum moss planting and vegetation monitoring.
Youth Experience Day - Peat & Sphagnum
Join Somerset Wildlife Trust as they put the species spotlight on the wonderful world of sphagnum moss, a key bog building species, and its vital role in the rehabilitation of the peatlands at…
Langlands Moss Restoration works underway
Peatland restoration underway to help restore Local Nature Reserve - Langlands Moss and surrounding woodland habitats.
Peat-free products - protecting peatlands, climate, gardening, pot-plants & salad
An Innovate UK project demonstrated success using sustainably sourced Sphagnum (from BeadaMoss®), with commercial-scale trials starting this year. Government funding support to further develop new…
Ordinary moss
Ordinary moss is very common in gardens and woodlands. moss provides shelter for many minibeasts, so encourage it to grow in your garden by providing logs, stone piles and untidy areas.
Specially commissioned film celebrates 'The most important plant in the world'
The IUCN UK Peatland Programme has commissioned the first in a series of short films, celebrating the importance of peatlands and work to restore and protect them.