How basic bryophyte recording provides information on major changes in key conservation localities: a case study of Epping Forest, England, an internationally significant site

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Basic recording of bryophytes involves compiling a simple list of species found during a site visit. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of such records as evidence of change in the condition of protected areas.

Methods

The study area comprised Epping Forest, UK, where basic bryophyte recording has been undertaken ad hoc since ca 1800 and was again carried out in January 2022. A total of 224 species were included within the analysis, each categorised as either having been found during the surveys in January 2022 or only found during previous recording. Ellenberg indicator values for each species were derived from published literature. To investigate if any of the Ellenberg indicators were significant predictors of whether or not a species was found during the January 2022 surveys, a binomial generalised linear model was constructed (model 1). A second similar model was produced that excluded epiphytes (model 2).

Results

Regarding the likelihood of a species having been found during January 2022, model 1 indicated that there were highly significant negative relationships with moisture and acidity, and a highly significant positive relationship with nitrogen. Model 2 provided similar results except that moisture was insignificant.

Conclusions

Basic bryophyte records indicated that the condition of Epping Forest has undergone significant change, to become a site that is less acidic and more nutrient rich. This is consistent with a known decline in sulphur dioxide pollution and an increase in nitrification.

KEYWORDS:

• Acidification
• epiphytes
• Epping Forest
• nitrification
• nitrogen
• sulphur dioxide

Acknowledgements

For various help, many thanks to Ken Adams (Loughton, UK), Jonathan Cox (Natural England), Len Ellis (BM, London, UK), Neil Fuller (Natural England), Rebecca Mundy (Natural England), Tom Ottley (Goginan, Wales, UK), Oli Pescott (BRC, Wallingford, UK) and Zoe Russell (Natural England).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this study was provided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), through Natural England.

Notes on contributors

Des A. Callaghan

Des Callaghan is a consultant bryologist operating under Bryophyte Surveys Ltd, working throughout Britain and further afield. His research is focused on threatened species, taxonomy and conservation ecology.

Sally Gadsdon

Sally Gadsdon is the Environmental Stewardship Officer for Epping Forest at the City of London Corporation, managing grants and delivery for habitat management and restoration.