Mosses and Liverworts of Wetland and River Habitats

Learn how to identify aquatic and semi-aquatic bryophytes and how to use them for assessing ecological variation in water quality. This course takes full advantage of an area noted for its fens, bogs, flushes and streams in recognition of the ecological and conservational importance of wetland bryophytes. Varied, though not strenuous, fieldwork each day will provide opportunities to compare mosses and liverworts in an exceptionally wide range of habitats.
Emphasis will be placed on field characteristics, and will be backed up by work in the laboratory, including the use of identification keys. Many of the most significant ecological indicator species will be examined, making use of local limestone, but also including nearby sites in other upland and moorland areas.
Instruction in Sphagnum identification will be fully covered, but prior knowledge of general moss and liverwort identification will be necessary.

Martha Newton is a biological consultant, specialising in bryophytes, with wide experience of teaching at all levels. Her publications are concerned with British and Antarctic bryophytes, as well as mosquito cyto-genetics. Much of her teaching and research has been at Manchester University, but she has also worked at Liverpool Museum on the revision of Flora Europaea. She is a British Bryological Society hepatic referee, and served for 19 years on the editorial board of the Journal of Bryology, 11 of them also as General Secretary of the B.B.S. Martha is able to provide students with individual help at all levels. She places strong emphasis on field characters and ecological indicators, encourages confidence in the use of keys, and endeavours to make her field courses as enjoyable as they are useful.

Further Information

This course is now historical and therefore no bookings can be taken.