Species Statement

Cernuous bryum is a moss that grows in patches on damp soil, mainly inland such as beside streams, sometimes also in coastal dune-slacks.

The moss was formerly widespread over much of the UK from Oxfordshire northwards, with numerous records in northern England. There have been only two British records since 1950 and none since 1970. The species is regarded as being identifiable only when ripe capsules are present, so it is possible that rarity of sporophyte production might nowadays mask its real status. Cernuous bryum has a wide range that includes North America, Chile, Argentina, South Georgia, New Zealand, Greenland, northern Asia and many European countries from Iceland and Finland southwards to Spain and northern Italy.

This moss is classified as Data Deficient in Great Britain and Critically Endangered in the provisional Bryophyte Red List for Ireland. It receives general protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

These are poorly understood, although the following are likely to be involved:

Loss of open, damp ground to drainage and agricultural intensification.

Destruction of dune-slacks due to creation of golf courses and other coastal developments.

None known.

The following LBAPs are working on Bryum uliginosum:

Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume VI: Terrestrial and freshwater species and habitats (October 1999, Tranche 2, Vol VI, p176)