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Polypody ferns growing high up on a tree limb in the New Forest, which abounds in epiphytics plants such as these.

The High Life

Location The New Forest, England

This ancient woodland in the New Forest is damp enough for these polypody ferns to be as happy growing high up in the air as on the ground. Epiphytes such as these, and also mosses and lichens, abound here. In fact, no other woods in the UK or continental Europe are as rich in lichen species as the New Forest. This is partly due to the humidity. Although the south of England receives less rainfall than other parts of the UK, the dense ancient canopy traps humid air, while the unique valley mires and extensive wetlands the New Forest is famous for act as continuous sources of local evaporation.

The high concentration of ancient trees—the highest in Western Europe—is also of crucial importance. Many species of lichens will only grow on trees that are centuries old, and have rough, stable bark. To top it all off, the New Forest receives a healthy dose of clean, maritime air blowing off the English Channel. Since they absorb water and nutrients from the air and falling rain, many epiphytes (lichens in particular) are very sensitive to air pollution, and have vanished from more urban areas of the UK.

More details
  • Location The New Forest, England
  • Date taken 3rd November, 2022
  • Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark III
  • Lens EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM at 24.0mm
  • Exposure details 0.5s at f/10, ISO 100
  • Keywords
    • Bryophyta
    • Canopy
    • England
    • Epiphyte
    • Hampshire
    • Moss
    • New Forest
    • Plant
    • Polypody fern
    • Tree
    • UK
    • United Kingdom
    • Woodland