News on Haringey’s Ancient Woodlands

As we approach the festive season, the Ancient Woodland Project team wishes you a tree-mendous holiday and a happy New Year!

Did you know that London is one of the greenest cities in Europe and boasts over 30 ancient woodland remnants?

Despite the winter chill, the vibrant green of mosses continues to grace our three ancient woodlands. Emeritus Professor Jeff Duckett, a London bryophyte expert, has identified the fascinating moss species thriving in the heart of almost every one of our ancient woodlands. Several of these contain over 50 moss species and 10 liverworts! Many of them have returned to London since the Clean Air Acts of 1956 and 1968.

Here are some common mosses you can spot in our woods:

Mnium hornum (Swan’s-neck Thyme-moss)

Cryphaea heteromalla (Lateral Cryphaea)

Hypnum cupressiforme (Cypress-leaved Plait-moss)

Grimmia pulvinata (Hedgehog Moss)

Fissidens taxifolius (Common Pocket-moss)

Calliergonella cuspidata (Pointed Spear-moss)

Brachythecium rutabulum (Rough-stalked Feather-moss)