Moss Safari: Exploring the Secret Life in Moss

Embark on an extraordinary journey into the hidden world of moss. Just like adventurers seeking the Big Five animals on an African safari, we invite you to discover the wonders of the microscopic Big Five organisms that dwell within the mosses on our roofs, walls and pavements. Let’s go on a Moss Safari!

On your journey into this miniature universe, your guide will reveal the secrets of this hidden realm. Here, you’ll soon encounter those microscopic Big Five: the robust moss mites, the excitable nematodes, the adaptable rotifers, the resilient tardigrades and the elusive gastrotrichs. Each of these remarkable organisms possesses astonishing adaptations to survive in this surprisingly harsh habitat. As Andrew unveils the behaviour and ecology of these little-known organisms, you'll find yourself captivated by their intriguing stories, shedding light on their significance in evolution, global ecosystems and even in medical breakthroughs. Each animal is the subject of cutting-edge scientific research and much of the science is not yet done.

Whether an armchair naturalist, a student of biology or an amateur microscopist, you will be entranced by this quest and will never see moss in the same way again. Be prepared to get inspired and maybe pick up your own microscope to embark on a search to find the Big Five.

Dr Andrew Chandler-Grevatt is an amateur naturalist with a fascination for moss and its inhabitants. Andrew has a doctorate in science education and his main job is training new science teachers at the University of Brighton. Andrew introduces the life in moss to schools, families and adult audiences through live Moss Safaris. He lives in Brighton with his husband, two dogs and a moss-covered roof that provides plenty to explore.