“Look closely at nature. Every species is a masterpiece, exquisitely adapted to the particular environment in which it has survived. Who are we to destroy or even diminish biodiversity?”

I’ve run in the hills and the countryside all my life. Tearing around with the intention of getting back as soon as possible. Work and family life meant an efficient use of available time.

But the upshot of retirement and covid are more relaxing outings. I am quite happy just sauntering around aimlessly looking at nature on the microscale.

On the parapet of the bridge over the railway at the western end of Newton Wood are some delicate mosses. There are at least two varieties and are particularly delightful when they are backlit by the morning sun.

Mosses and lichens are notoriously difficult to identify. Just comparing photos on Google I reckon this could either be the Lesser Bird’s-claw Beard-moss or the Wall Screw-moss. Both are common on walls and other man-made structures, sandstone included.

But Google says the fruiting capsules of both are common in spring and summer which makes me totally unconfident in this identification. However, if I had to put my money somewhere, it would be the Wall Screw-moss, for no other reason than I like the sound of that name. Or Tortula muralis Hedw. by its scientific name.

To quote the American biologist E. O. Wilson:

“Look closely at nature. Every species is a masterpiece, exquisitely adapted to the particular environment in which it has survived. Who are we to destroy or even diminish biodiversity?”