Entering the park

Image: © Jonathan Kington Taken: 5 Jun 2011

The gap in the mossy wall leads into Greenway Bank Country Park. Mosses belong to a group of plants known as Bryophytes which are the oldest plants in the world, dating back at least 400 million years with over 600 species found in Britain and Ireland alone. They are conspicuous, low growing and rootless plants that absorb nutrients from the water that either runs over them or they hold like a sponge. They are considered a "pioneer" plant, taking over rock faces and wet areas and creating a humus layer thus allowing other plants to germinate and gain a foothold. Mosses are asexual, carrying both male and female reproductive organs, after fertilisation these organs produce a tiny capsule that, when ripe, releases thousands of spores which go on to reproduce the next generation.

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