Bryophytes at Eccleston Mere

Britain is recognised as an internationally important country for bryophytes (mosses and liverworts), which is not surprising given the amount of rain we get. There are lots of species at Eccleston mere, and back in the autumn I started a collection, of which the attached photos are a small selection. In 2010, The British Bryological Society published an excellent new identification guide entitled "Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland: A field guide".

Mnium hornum Swan's-neck Thyme Moss and Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus Springy Turf-moss.

Fissidens viridulus Green Pocket-moss and Conocephalum conicum Great Scented Liverwort.

Ulota phyllantha Frizzled Pincushion and Metzgeria furcata Forked Veilwort.

Rhizomnium punctatum Dotted Thyme-moss and Lunularia cruciata Crescent-cup Liverwort.

Atrichum undulatum Common Smoothcap and Kindbergia praelonga Common Feather-moss.