Course: Identifying Mosses

Mosses are small, non-vascular plants that absorb water and nutrients directly through their leaves and typically grow in dense, low patches in damp or shaded environments. Unlike most plants, they do not have true roots or stems, and they reproduce using spores rather than seeds. Their life cycle includes a dominant green gametophyte stage and a spore-producing sporophyte stage, often seen as a capsule on a stalk. They also employ a diverse range of strategies for vegetative reproduction. Mosses play important ecological roles by helping to retain moisture, prevent soil erosion, and support biodiversity, particularly in woodlands, wetlands, and peat bogs. There are over 760 species of moss in the British Isles.

Many British moss species can be identified in the field by observing key features such as growth form (e.g., cushion, mat, tuft), leaf shape, margin texture, and the presence or absence of a central vein (costa). Species with distinctive habits, like the starry tufts of Polytrichum, the feathery mats of Hypnum, the twisted leaves of Tortula, and the curved, upright shoots of Dicranum, are often recognisable without laboratory work. When present, capsules can be highly diagnostic—note their shape, orientation, and any visible teeth around the mouth. Habitat also aids identification, as some species prefer soil, rock, bark, or boggy ground. With practice and a hand lens, many common mosses can be reliably recognised in the field.

This session will provide an introduction to recognising and identifying mosses. Key topics that will be covered include:

• Introduction to mosses and their importance
• Separating mosses from liverworts
• Key features for moss identification
• Common moss genera and species
• Tools and techniques for field identification
• Submitting bryophyte records and further info

The 90-minute event will consist of a 1-hour presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience.

The presentations will be recorded and shared with those who booked alongside Q&A transcripts and relevant links following the event via a password-protected website.