News from the British Bryological Society

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National Moss Day

21st October has been designated as National Moss Day 2024. There are no explicit plans to publicise the day and organise events at a national level as we did last year, but it is hoped that individuals and local groups will try to schedule meetings for this weekend, and perhaps other organisations who launched moss trails and ran awareness days might be persuaded to promote moss-related activities on this date.

Introduction to Bryophytes

If you’ve ever been fascinated by the colourful and multi-textured array of mosses on a stone wall, stony ground or woodland floor, and wondered what they all are, then this section is for you. The Learning area of the website will introduce you to bryophytes and get you started identifying some of the common species around where you live.

Start here

Explore your area

…without even leaving the house. Many knowledgeable and experienced BBS members have contributed to the vice-county pages, describing what can be found in their local areas and giving hints and tips on places to visit. Read all about your vice-county before you head out.

Launch the Vice-county explorer

Species Finder

The Species Finder is your gateway to a wealth of information about the mosses, liverworts and hornworts to be found in the UK. Ultimately, we hope to include a page dedicated to each species, with identification tips, up-to-date distribution information, links to useful resources and an image gallery showing a range of images including habitat photos, close-ups and microscope images.

Browse our Species pages

Bryophyte of the month

Dumortiera hirsuta

(Sw.) Nees

This rather rare oceanic liverwort was seen on the banks of the Claggain river during the recent Summer meeting on Islay. It is large and differs from other thallose liverworts also found in this habitat by having no air pores on its surface, and having bristly hairs along the thallus margins – so there should be no problem identifying it if you are lucky enough to see it!

Learn More

Our upcoming events

We have a full programme of events at both national and local levels. Please click the link below for details.

See all our upcoming events

Gloucestershire Group: Symonds Yat East

13 October 2024 (10:30 - 16:00) | Symonds Yat East

Read more about this event and register

London Bryophyte Group: Abney Park Cemetery

19 October 2024 (10:30 - 15:00) | Abney Park Cemetery

Read more about this event and register