Moss is one of those things that can be easily overlooked – however, it has an essential role in the ecosystem and is found all over the world. Moss helps to combat climate change, provides a habitat for wildlife and improves the air quality. So, it is one of those things that is a bit of an unsung hero on planet earth!
Moss can be found in a range of environments but tends to grow in areas that are cooler and damp – forests, next to rivers and walls that are in shaded areas are all places that are hosts to lots of different types of moss. These mossy areas provide homes for all manner of tiny organisms and insects like spiders, all playing a part in a diverse ecosystem. In some forests you can see a lot of diverse moss species – Fingle Woods in the beautiful Dartmoor’s Teign Valley for example is a great place to see different moss species like greater fork moss and dwarf haircap.
Moss is able to store and absorb water – this means that when rainfall is plentiful, the moss acts as a sponge. It helps to absorb water and reduce erosion of the soil, and it also acts as a filter for pollutants in the rainwater and the air itself, providing clean healthy air.
Moss is very beneficial and is known to be a big defender in the fight against climate change – however there are some places where you may not want it to be. If you have moss growing on your roof for example, you should get it removed by a professional like this roof cleaning Gloucester based company https://www.stagsoftwash.com/residential/roof-cleaning-gloucester as it can cause structural damage if left for too long. It can also be a problem on paths, as it is slippery in wet weather.
