A Moss That Gathers Rolling Water

The Moors for the Future Partnership carried out a 6 year study, evaluating Sphagnum moss's impact on rainwater flow (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/sep/30/superhero-sphagnum-moss-save-communities-flooding). 50,000 Sphagnum mosses were planted on Kinder Scout. Kinder Scout (site of a famous 'trespass', to give walkers from Industrial Lancashire countryside access) is the highest point of Derbyshire's (England) Peak District National Park. Peak streamflow is the maximum amount of rainwater entering a river. Presence of Sphagnum, reduced this measure by 65%. Lag time is the period elapsing between rainfall and the rainwater entering a river system. The moss produced an almost 700% increase in lag time. Clearly, encouraging the growing of Sphagnum moss in British upland areas, could greatly reduce flooding risk in lower laying areas. This moss has the added bonus of forming peat, when it dies. Peat is a very effective carbon store, reducing the impact of climate change. Let's hear it for Sphagnum!