A bryophyte flora of South Wiltshire

Abstract

Wiltshire has been the least known, bryologically, of all the counties in Southern England. The first records were not published until 1891. Since then, a number of bryologists have visited particularly the southern half of the county, which is the Watsonian vice-county 8 (v.-c. 8, South Wiltshire). Early recording was on a haphazard basis and there were many gaps in the coverage. A more systematic and intensive survey was undertaken in v.-c. 8 from the end of 1991 to 1999, using 10-km squares as the basic recording units. Locality details were noted for the less common species. This survey has resulted in nearly 3000 new 10-km square records and some 38 new species for the vice-county. Distribution maps are presented for all taxa except the commonest and the rarest. Lists of localities for the less common species are given.