Mosses are ancient plants, they have existed on this planet for over 450 million years. With 15,000 – 25,000 species globally, they are an incredibly diverse group. They are found on every continent where they play vital roles in their ecosystems.

Sphagnum

Sphagnum mosses are also known as the ‘bog mosses’. These mosses are a vital part of peatland ecosystems. They grow over landscapes, covering them in a rich, biodiverse carpet, which allows other species to thrive. When these mosses die, the wet, acidic conditions mean they do not fully break down, instead forming layers of peat.

Sphagnum mosses are an integral part of the Flow Country's ecosystem

There are 34 different species of Sphagnum found in Scotland, and 29 of them are found in The Flow Country. There are three key species to look out for:

Sphagnum Cupsidatum

This is the most aquatic species of Sphagnum found in the Flow Country, it thrives in pools and ditches.

Sphagnum Capillifolium

This distinctive red moss grows in dense clumps. Its shoots press closely together as it grows, it almost resembles a red cauliflower!

Sphagnum Papillosum

This moss is relatively tolerant to water stress, making it adaptable to changes in climatic conditions.

Blanket Bog

Blanket bog is made up of a mosaic of Sphagnum moss which covers the landscape.

Did you know..?

When dry, sphagnum can absorb 20 times its own volume in liquid. It is also antiseptic; it creates acidic environments which bacteria cannot survive in. This makes it an excellent wound dressing and has been used by people to treat wounds for hundreds of years. In World War One, when stocks of cotton dressings were low, Sphagnum began to again be used as wound dressings. The Flow Country exported huge amounts of moss during this time!