Lower Plants (Bryophytes and Lichens)
Bryophyte is a collective term for mosses, liverworts and hornworts. These are small green plants which do not produce flowers seeds or fruits, so are referred to as ‘cryptogams’ (flowerless plants).
There are currently 1,069 species in the British Isles: 767 mosses, 298 liverworts and 4 hornworts. Whilst they occur in all habitats, the damper Oceanic climate of western Britain, and the uplands are where particularly diverse populations occur. However, the ability of many species to tolerate long periods of drought enable populations of some species to survive in harsh environments such as on tarmac and stone.
Like higher plants, there are some species which are afforded a conservation status and receive legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. They are also indicators of habitat types, and often they help to define specific National Vegetation Classification (NVC) communities; this is particularly the case with mire communities. Accurate NVC surveys therefore need to encompass bryophytes.
FPCR has in-house expertise to undertake a range of bryophyte surveys. These include site surveys to record and evaluate the bryophyte component of the vegetation and surveys for specific species. We are also able to provide a sub-contracting service to other consultancies.
Lichens are formed by two organisms: algae and fungi. These form a symbiotic association with fungi forming the dominant component of a lichen thallus.
The alga produces chlorophyll which forms carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water by the process of photosynthesis. These are then absorbed by the fungus which can then utilise them for growth. There are approximately 1,800 species of lichen which are considered to be extant in the British Isles.
Like higher plants and bryophytes there are some species which are afforded a conservation status and some that receive legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Similarly, lichens are an important component of many NVC communities, particularly mires and heaths.
FPCR works in association with other specialist consultants to provide a range of lichen surveys.