Norfolk Bladder-moss (Physcomitrium euystomum) conservation translocation in the western Chilterns, Hertfordshire.
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- Monitoring points:
- Species observations:
Project added by
Astrid Biddle
Test project
This is a test project - information shown may not be correct.
Project summary
Recent observations at Wilstone Reservoir demonstrated the species’ capacity for sudden large-scale emergence following extreme drawdown, when at least 4.3 million sporophytes were recorded across nearly 0.8 ha of exposed sediment. These episodic events suggest that long-term persistence depends on the interaction between diaspore banks and the availability of suitable drawdown habitats within the landscape.
Despite this potential for mass emergence, the species remains vulnerable because suitable habitats are scarce, hydrological conditions are unpredictable, and colonisation opportunities between sites may be limited. Recent discovery of a small population at Pitstone Quarry indicates that newly created waterbodies may provide opportunities for colonisation and the development of additional populations.
Biddle, A. (2024). Drought-induced emergence of Physcomitrium eurystomum on the drawdown zone of Wilstone Reservoir, Hertfordshire. Journal of Bryology.
Despite this potential for mass emergence, the species remains vulnerable because suitable habitats are scarce, hydrological conditions are unpredictable, and colonisation opportunities between sites may be limited. Recent discovery of a small population at Pitstone Quarry indicates that newly created waterbodies may provide opportunities for colonisation and the development of additional populations.
Biddle, A. (2024). Drought-induced emergence of Physcomitrium eurystomum on the drawdown zone of Wilstone Reservoir, Hertfordshire. Journal of Bryology.
Overall aim
Sediment transfer following propagule cleaning from the donor site to five recipient sites. Recipient sites are newly dug ponds with substantial drawdown zones along the southern and western littoral margins.
This technique has not previously been attempted for a bryophyte species. As a proof-of-concept, translocation to five sites is considered a reasonable experimental scale. The aim is to support the Hertfordshire metapopulation by facilitating dispersal between suitable habitats. Increasing the number of sites should raise the probability that episodic emergence at donor and recipient ponds coincides temporally, thereby improving establishment success.
Physcomitrium eurystomum is a European Red-listed species, making development of effective conservation translocation techniques a priority.
This technique has not previously been attempted for a bryophyte species. As a proof-of-concept, translocation to five sites is considered a reasonable experimental scale. The aim is to support the Hertfordshire metapopulation by facilitating dispersal between suitable habitats. Increasing the number of sites should raise the probability that episodic emergence at donor and recipient ponds coincides temporally, thereby improving establishment success.
Physcomitrium eurystomum is a European Red-listed species, making development of effective conservation translocation techniques a priority.
Name of species translocated
Physcomitrium euystomum
How many species?
1
Monitoring form type
Translocation plant records
Project timeline
3 years
Funding body
Dreams and wishes
Project lead
Astrid Biddle
Country
England