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Jurassic Park!
Threatened prehistoric plant thriving on Aldershot and Crookham Commons
April 19 2011
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Marsh clubmoss © Dominic Price/Plantlife
An obscure member of the plant kingdom dating back millions of years has made an astonishing comeback thanks to conservation work by Plantlife, funded by Rushmoor Borough Council.
One of the UK’s rarest plants, Marsh Clubmoss - neither quite a moss nor a fern - has been driven to the edge of extinction as the heathlands it grows on have disappeared.
Plantlife has been carrying out specialist heathland management at Aldershot and Crookham Commons since 2007, with the aim of creating open areas of damp heathland. Many other wild plants also favour this habitat, including technicoloured bog-mosses, carnivorous sundews and a vast range of invertebrates and other wildlife - this conservation work could help all of these species.
Plantlife’s Species Recovery Officer, Dominic Price, explains: “Many areas of Thames Basin heath are overrun with choking vegetation due to increased nitrogen pollution, lack of management and the effects of heathland fires. By opening up small areas of heathland, we not only expose seeds and spores which have been buried for decades but also provide a home for colonist species which come in on the wind or on the hooves of grazing animals."
"We had hoped that we might see the return of Marsh Clubmoss over the next decade, but these quick results have amazed us. Last year, we recorded over 300 plants growing on newly created habitat. Each scrape was also home to an average of 32 other wild plants including exciting finds such as Bog Pimpernel, two types of carnivorous sundew and Royal Fern. Together with insects and signs of larger animals observed during our surveys, we have created a whole network of biodiversity hotspots!”
Project partners
This project has been achieved thanks to funding from Rushmoor Borough Council, awarded through the Community and Environment Fund. Laura Somers, Community Development Officer, said: “We have been delighted to support a project which has provided such a boost to the biodiversity of the heathlands and are equally excited that has started to reverse the fortunes of such a rare species, ensuring it remains on the heaths for future generations to enjoy.”
More information or images:
Dominic Price Species Recovery Officer T 01722 342749 / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Sue Nottingham Senior Press Officer T 01722 342757 / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)