Lovely lichens and marvellous mosses

Nikki Bawn of Boggle Lane Foods takes a wander through woodlands in search of natural treasures.

In the heart of Lincolnshire, where ancient oaks stretch their gnarled limbs toward the sky, lies a secret world. It’s a place where mosses and lichens weave their delicate tapestries, unseen by most. Seasoned foragers know this world well, with eyes attuned to the subtle green hues that adorn tree trunks, rocks and fallen logs.

So, wandering along a forest floor, ready to collect treasures at this time of year, you’ll sense the air beginning to take on a new, seasonal dampness and discover mosses which thrive in their quiet resilience. And although we may be on the cusp of autumn’s usual burst of berry-full plenty – if you are an adventurous forager – lichens and mosses will offer interest and insight into their fascinating roles in our ecosystems.

Many of the pleasing and ancient green carpets of mosses belong to the Bryophyte group. They thrive in damp, shaded environments, forming lush inviting blanket coverage. Interestingly, Sphagnum mosses contribute to peat formation, which has been used as fuel and for preserving archaeological artefacts.

Healing properties
Mosses were once used as wound dressings due to their absorbent properties. And with a trained eye you can usually spot at least three common types of moss including:

1. Marsh Hair Moss (Polytrichum commune), which is found near streams and damp areas. Its tall, bristly stems resemble miniature pine trees and some of the folklore about this species whispers about its healing properties for joint pain.
2. Ordinary Moss (Hypnum spp.) tends to blanket fallen logs and shaded nooks. It’s soft and velvety and has been used over centuries as a natural wound dressing – a gift from the woodland apothecary.
3. Sphagnum Moss (Sphagnum spp.) thrives in boggy patches. It has a spongy texture that retains water, it’s said to contain antiseptic properties too, making it ideal for wound care and in the past it was a ‘go to’ for ancient healers to help soothe cuts and burns.
   If you cast your gaze a little higher on your wanders through wooded ways, you’ll see lichens clinging to both bark and stone. They are amazing wonders of nature because they are dual organisms, part fungus and part algae, that hold secrets of their own.
   These remarkable organisms live in diverse habitats, from rocky cliffs to ancient woodlands. They have some unusual uses and can also act as storytellers about our history because their growth rates can help to estimate the age of exposed surfaces, such as tombstones and rocks. They also act as indicators of environmental changes, air quality and pollution levels. Historically, lichens provided natural dyes for textiles. The ‘orchil’ dye, derived from Roccella species, coloured fabrics the powerful hues of purple. Some lichens even contain compounds with potential antibiotic properties.
   It’s fascinating to discover that certain lichens here in Blighty are unique and can’t be found anywhere else on earth! Old Man’s Beard (Usnea spp.) dangles like silver, grey beards from branches. It is a potent antimicrobial which has saved many a traveller from infection.

Do not disturb
If you decide to delve into gathering these wondrous finds, be mindful not to disturb the delicate balance of each moss and lichen. Foraging should always be done responsibly and as always, never consume any plant or fungus unless you’re certain of its identification. So, if in doubt, seek expert guidance.

For beginners, making a healing bathing brew of Sphagnum moss steeped in hot water will be a brilliant bath for tired muscles. Old Man’s Beard can also be added for its soothing properties.

You can have a dip in your brew of forest sourced wonders and ponder a deeper connection to ancient healers who explored before you. Or why not create a lush and magic potted area with your finds? Find a shaded spot, some rocks and an old log and get creative to produce a unique garden feature.

Lincolnshire’s mossy embrace helps to remind us that healing isn’t always about potions and poultices but is also about listening and sensing the changes of the seasons, the timeless rustle of leaves, the softness of moss and the lichen’s quiet song.

To find out more about learning to forage, email: nikki@bogglelane.co.uk

We Recommend

May motivation

Showcase for estate produce

Wild unbreakable bonds

Relax and revive at No.THIRTY8

Spring into action 

Heady, hidden depths

View all