Moss gatheringThere is substantial demand for moss for hanging baskets, wreaths and flower arrangements. Mosses are often abundant in Scottish woodlands, including in conifer plantations, where they are gathered by seasonal collectors on behalf of trading companies. As with wildflower bulbs, some of this trade is legal and some is not. Moss collection usually takes place in the winter and early spring. Mosses collected include Sphagnum, Polytrichum and Pleurozium species. Mosses grow best if a reasonable amount of light can reach the forest floor. In plantations this is either during the early years (before canopy closure) or after the final thinning. Larch plantations can also provide an abundant moss harvest. Although 'mossing' was formerly unregulated, some gatherers now work under contract or licence from forest owners. In some cases these relationships are long-standing. At particularly good sites the woods are deliberately managed by brashing (removing branches) to allow additional light penetration and maximise productivity. There is a real danger of overharvesting, especially of rare and slow-growing species of moss, and a need for greater cooperation and communication between land managers and harvesters. The Scottish Moss Collection Code was drawn up as a step towards a culture of informed sustainable harvesting of moss in Scotland. |