A very interesting walk, looking at an important aspect of the ecology of Troopers Hill that is often overlooked.
Mosses & liverworts are bryophytes; some of the species of bryophytes recorded on Troopers Hill appear to be very rare locally. Mosses are similar to higher plants, but in miniature, with well developed stem and leaf structure, typically with a fully or part developed midrib on the leaf.
After a very Spring-like day on the Saturday, Sunday arrived with a forecast of strong wind and rain, fortunately we were able to complete the walk before the worst of the weather hit.
The walk was led by Nick Trapp, who had volunteered to lead a walk for us after volunteering on our Conservation Work Parties. He was assisted by long-term Friend of Troopers Hill, ecologist Rupert Higgins.
Nick walked us round 5 different locations, showing some of the range of mosses and liverworts on the Hill and noting how they grow on trees, rock and bare earth. Nick also pointed out the different species that occured on north or south facing slopes. We discussed the ability of mosses to survive drying out and some of the uses man has made of mosses - there was also a moss myth-busting session.
Learn more about the wildlife of Troopers Hill on our Wildlife page >>
Survey of Bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) by Rupert Higgins - Updated February 2025 >>
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The five stops on the walk and the mosses that featured at each stop were:
• On the Norway Maple on Troopers Hill Field
Homalothecium sericium - Silky Wall Feather Moss (on the side of the tree)
Frullania dilatata - Dilated Scalewort (a liverwort, not a moss: dark brown/purple scales)
• Patch of heather on Troopers Hill LNR
Hypnum jutlandicum - Heath Plait Moss (in amongst the heather)
• Rock above the gulley
Grimmia pulvinata - Grey Cushioned Grimmia (with white hairs to trap moisture)
Polytrichum juniperum - Juniper Haircap (looks like a star or a Christmas tree)
• First stop in the gulley
Dicranum scoparium - Broom Fork Moss (bright lime green and a bit swept to one side, like spiky gelled hair)
• Rock in the gulley
A mixture of Grimmia, Haircap, Heath Plait Moss and more. The Juniper Haircap was showing its characteristic long orange capsules like mini spears or flames
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