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…
Search
Search
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.…
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…
Langlands Moss Restoration works underway
Peatland restoration underway to help restore Local Nature Reserve - Langlands Moss and surrounding woodland habitats.
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.
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.
Upland birch wood
Elegant, airy woodlands of silver-barked birches found across the northern uplands. Often transient in feel, with scattered trees growing over the heathy field layer of the surrounding moorland,…
Upland flushes, fens and swamps
Find out more about upland flushes, fens and swamps.
Marches Mosses marks 30-year milestone in fight against climate change
An internationally important lowland raised peat bog between England and Wales celebrates its 30th birthday as a National Nature Reserve (NNR) and its slow return to a natural environment.
Ugie Peatland Partnership welcomes restoration of local bog
Bog restoration works are expected to benefit local water quality and nature, as well as contribute to meeting our climate change targets. Members of the Ugie Peatland Partnership (UPP), who aim…
Moors for the Future Partnership releases series of scientific and monitoring reports from MoorLIFE 2020 project
Results of six-year peatland restoration monitoring work by MoorLIFE 2020 highlights the many benefits of peatland restoration. One study found that planting sphagnum reduces both the likelihood…