Green shield-moss

It is only after close inspection of rotting dead wood - pine or larch in the main - that you might hope to spot the very inconspicuous and rare shield-moss. It is a moss which has no leaves and only its sporophytes (tiny spore-containing sacs) give its presence away. It reaches a height of no more than 7 or 8 mm! It is rare because it can only live in ancient forest and it is severely threatened by timber exploitation, so it is an indicator of the good health of a forest. It is a heritage species, that is to say, protected at national level.