This book describes and illustrates in detail the 760 species of mosses currently known to occur in the British Isles and incorporates the most up-to-date information available on classification and nomenclature, together with recent synonyms. The species descriptions provide information on frequency, ecology, geographical relationships and distribution, including information on protected species and those species at risk. For many species there are footnotes to aid identification. In addition to the species descriptions there are descriptions of families and genera and also introductory information on conservation, collection, preservation and examination of material, together with advice on using the keys. An artificial key to genera provides the only workable comprehensive key published in the English language. This second edition incorporates the very considerable advances in our knowledge of mosses made in the last quarter of the twentieth century and will provide a unique resource for all concerned with these fascinating organisms.

This entirely new English edition, comprehensively revised and edited by T.L. Blockeel, has been translated from German, with some additional text, by the authors. In a single volume, this work provides users with the means of making at least a preliminary identification of any bryophyte or fern which they might encounter in Europe or Macaronesia.

This is the first book to cover England's rare and threatened mosses and liverworts, collectively known as bryophytes. As a group, they are the most ancient land plants and occupy a unique position in the colonization of the Earth by plant life. However, many are at risk from habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and other factors. Britain is one of the world's best bryologically recorded areas, yet its mosses and liverworts are not well known outside a small band of experts. This has meant that conservation action has tended to lag behind that of more charismatic groups such as birds and mammals. Of the 916 different types of bryophyte in England, 87 are on the British Red List and are regarded as threatened under the strict criteria of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. This book aims to raise awareness by providing stunning photographs--many never before published--of each threatened species, as well as up-to-date profiles of 84 of them, including status, distribution, history, and conservation measures. The book looks at what bryophytes are, why they are important and useful, and what makes them rare; it also examines threats, extinctions, ex situ conservation techniques, legislation, and the impact of the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity. Provides the first treatment of England's rare and threatened mosses and liverworts Features stunning photographs--many never before published--of each species and many of their habitats Treats each species in a handy and attractive double-page layout Includes up-to-date profiles of 84 species, including status, distribution, history, and conservation measures Presents the first overview of English bryophyte conservation Offers invaluable guidance to people working in conservation in England, the British Isles, Europe, and beyond

Gives an account of the general ecology and importance of bryophytes, together with information on all threatened species. This work includes: an introduction; preparation of the Red Data Book; habitats of the Red List Bryophytes and their conservation; conservation action and legislation; the international context; and species accounts.

A long-awaited addition to the botany titles in the highly-regarded Collins New Naturalist series. This edition is exclusive to newnaturalists.com Mosses and liverworts - known as bryophytes - are a group of about 24,000 fairly low-growing plants which have no roots to speak of. Nor do they have flowers, but breed instead by spores. Both are commonly found in damp places, like ditches and beside streams. This authoritative guide explains their ecological importance, how they can act as environmental indicators and their general biology. With full-colour illustrations throughout, it covers: * distribution patterns and dispersal mechanisms * their relation with climate * historical uses for mosses * habitats and emmunities This is a branch of botany which has always relied heavily on amateur involvement, and the authors explain what amateurs can do today to increase our knowledge about these essential plants.

Providing an update of the classic Student's Handbook by S.M. Macvicar (1926), this illustrated account of the 300 liverwort and hornwort species on the British and Irish lists is a synthesis of nearly 40 years' study. The detailed descriptions and figures, all prepared by the author, are designed to enable students of these groups to determine the morphologically variable specimens that cause so much difficulty in identification.

This book has been produced to highlight the conservation importance of the mosses, liverworts, and hornworts that are found on cultivated land. These plants may be tiny and unobtrusive, but close examination reveals their true beauty. The stunning photographs will surely inspire an increased level of interest in this relatively little-known group and enable even the novice bryologist to gain a better insight into the rich diversity of our bryophyte flora. An introduction to the mosses, liverworts, and hornworts associated with cultivated land Information on the 86 bryophytes found in arable fields Illustrated profiles of the 47 bryophytes most closely associated with arable farming, highlighting those included in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan Superb close-up photographs and illustrations showing the key features Distribution maps based on the latest available data An easy-to-use approach to the identification of this challenging group

This photo-based field guide to the more common or distinctive bryophytes of northeastern North America gives beginners the tools they need to identify most specimens without using a compound microscope.