Conservation Efforts Save Rare Moss in Cairngorms
Conservationists have successfully rescued a rare moss species from a tree that was blown down during a storm. Aspen bristle-moss is an exceptionally rare species found exclusively on 60 aspen trees across Britain, all located within the Cairngorms in the Scottish Highlands.
The fallen tree contained approximately 5% of the total known population of this moss species. Without intervention, the moss would have faced extinction on that tree as its bark deteriorated following the tree's fall.
Plantlife Scotland, a conservation charity, led the initiative to carefully remove portions of the moss and transplant them onto 19 healthy aspen trees near Aviemore.
Aspen bristle-moss was once believed to be extinct in Britain until it was rediscovered growing on mature aspen trees in the Cairngorms. Since 2024, Plantlife Scotland has been actively monitoring the species to better understand its habitat and conservation needs.
The emergency translocation project was conducted in partnership with Wildland, a landowner organisation founded by Scotland's wealthiest individual Anders Holch Povlsen and his wife Anne.
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Sam Jones, senior ecological advisor for Plantlife Scotland, highlighted the critical nature of the rescue operation:
"Aspen bristle-moss survives on a tiny number of suitable aspen trees, so when this one fell we risked losing a significant part of the known population in Scotland.
This translocation gives us a chance to save that moss, learn what works and strengthen efforts to protect the species for the future."
The conservation work for aspen bristle-moss is financially supported by NatureScot, Cairngorms National Park Authority, and the Swire Charitable Trust, ensuring continued efforts to protect this rare species in its native habitat.
