News from the British Bryological Society

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New Membership Management system

The new Membership Management system is now in place. Please ensure that we have a current email address for you, as further information and instructions on membership renewal will be sent to all members by email over the next couple of months.

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

Plagiochila britannica

Paton

The Glos local group was pleased to find this species on a recent meeting in the Forest of Dean. It can be difficult to tell from the more common P. asplenioides and P. porelloides, but its habit – growing in loose mats – and leaf shape gave this one away. On close inspection, the cells looked a little larger too, but that needed confirming under the microscope.

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

London Bryophyte Group: Queens Wood

15 December 2024 (10:30 - 15:00) | Queens Wood

Read more about this event and register

Wessex Bryology Group: Lyscombe, Dorset

15 December 2024 (10:30 - 15:30) | Lyscombe Hill, Piddletrenthide, Dorchester (pin is for parking)

Escape the stress of Christmas with a day of bracing downland bryologising and recording.

Read more about this event and register