About the event

Sphagnum mosses are keystone species in peatland ecosystems, playing a critical role in carbon storage, water regulation, and habitat formation worldwide. The UK supports a rich and distinctive assemblage of Sphagnum species, reflecting the region’s cool, wet climate. From raised bogs and blanket bogs to fens, flushes, and wet heath, these mosses are an important part of many semi-natural habitats. Understanding these species is essential for interpreting peatland ecology, guiding conservation and restoration efforts, and appreciating the global significance of our peatlands as reservoirs of biodiversity and long-term carbon storage.

There are 36 species of Sphagnum in the UK, divided into 6 groups or ‘Sections’: Sphagnum, Rigida, Squarrosa, Subsecunda, Cuspidata and Acutifolia. Each section comprises species which share common morphological characteristics. Identifying a specimen to section is very helpful for identifying it to species.

This session will provide an introduction to recognising and identifying Sphagnum species. Key topics that will be covered include:

• The importance of Sphagnum mosses
• Key features for Sphagnum identification
• Identifying a Sphagnum moss to section
• Why identifying Sphagnum species matters – linking species-level differences to ecosystem function, peatland management, conservation, and climate change mitigation
• General tools and techniques for field identification
• Key field identification features for some species

Common and widespread species of each section, which are often recognisable in the field with a hand lens, will also be introduced, including:

• Section Sphagnum: Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum papillosum
• Section Rigida: Sphagnum compactum
• Section Squarrosa: Sphagnum squarrosum
• Section Subsecunda: Sphagnum auriculatum (Previously Sphagnum denticulatum)
• Section Cuspidata: Sphagnum cuspidatum, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum tenelum
• Section Acutifolia: Sphagnum capilifolium, Sphagnum rubellum

The 90-minute event will consist of a 1-hour presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience.

The presentations will be recorded and shared with those who booked alongside Q&A transcripts and relevant links following the event via a password-protected website.