Arable Bryophytes
A field guide to the Mosses, Liverworts and Hornworts of cultivated land in Britain and Ireland
by Ron Porley
This Wildguides publication by Ron Porley is a valuable addition to the bookshelf of Bryologists, ecologists and keen amateurs alike. It provides you with a valuable, practical guide to take out, quite literally, into the field. Its clear, colour photographs are a real help for field identification. The guide also includes detailed microscopic images, which will be a real aid in the lab.
Bryophytes - the umbrella term encompassing mosses, liverworts and hornworts - may not have the romantic allure of honeysuckle on a warm summer's evening or the stature of a mature noble English oak, but that should not lead you into the false assumption that they are any less vital to our ecosystems or are any less beautiful in their own diminutive way. This publication, along with helping me identify a few interesting species in a winter's field, also reminded me of the beauty, fascination and importance of these most ancient of plants.
Ron Purley, Chief Bryologist with English Nature, is a recognised expert and is also the co-author of 'Mosses and Liverworts', part of the acclaimed New Naturalist series.
Order now from Wildguides or NHBS
Review by Jamie McCormack, Eden Project, Dec 2009
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