Pillwort Pilularia globulifera

Pillwort
©Bob Gibbons/Plantlife

Pillwort is an ancient native fern that, in Scotland, grows in freshwater lochs and ponds . In the past it was associated more with cattle ponds, mill ponds and curling ponds but as use of these have declined, the range of Pillwort across Scotland has also declined.

Pillwort remains in suitable locations in lochs where disturbance levels through animal access or changing water levels keep down competing species.

Plantlife has been involved in Pillwort conservation in Scotland for many years and has conducted a survey of Pillwort sites across Scotland plus a reintroduction to a site, where Pillwort is once again thriving. This work and its progress will be summarised in a scientific paper that we hope to publish shortly. We will also be producing a management leaflet for land owners and managers so that Pillwort sites can be managed to benefit Pillwort and maintain it as one of our characteristic species in our lochs and ponds.

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