Llanelli Naturalists Newsletter - August 1996 - No 2
J.J. Graham and G.S. Motley

Compared to many parts of Wales there has been relatively little bryological recording in Carmarthenshire (v.c.44).  One of the first contributors to a bryophyte flora of the vice-county was H.H. Knight, who drafted a list of Welsh records based extensively on Carmarthenshire records.  An updated list entitled 'The Bryophytes of Carmarthenshire' by A E Wade, was published in two parts in the Transactions of the British Bryological Society (1948).  Since this time only a small number of bryologists, including R G Woods, A Orange and A R Perry, have worked the area.  Other records have resulted from site surveys, mainly by Nature Conservancy Council/Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) staff; however, bryophytes were rarely the main focus of these projects.

The recent Atlas of the Bryophytes of Britain and Ireland (Hill et al, 1991, 1992, 1994) illustrates how under-worked parts of Carmarthenshire are.  For example, less than fifty bryophytes are recorded from several 10-km squares in the vice-county, and other squares have only between 50 and 100 species (over 200 are recorded in the better-worked areas of Wales).  The Atlas was mapped on a 10-km square basis, therefore it can be difficult to relate the occurrence of species to local topography, geology and climate.  In addition, only general information can be derived on habitat requirements or species associations, and there is no indication of the frequency with which species occur.

In 1992 one of the authors of this article (JJG) began recording bryophytes in Carmarthenshire with the aim of writing a flora.  Over the past few years much data has been generated in Dinefwr, due mainly to the authors living in the district, and as a result of Tir Cymen/CCW survey work.  Carmarthen and Llanelli Districts have been less well-worked.  At present, there is reasonable coverage for about 20% of the vice-county.  Weak areas in the survey include the lack of records for coastal habitats (due in part to access restrictions on MOD land) and ephemeral species of gardens and arable fields.  The uplands and woodlands in north Carmarthen & Dinefwr districts and the Carboniferous Limestone areas require closer inspection.  

This note is intended to inform readers that a Carmarthenshire bryophyte flora project is in progress, and hopefully encourage more people to submit records (these can be forwarded to the authors at the address below).  For the more common bryophytes the only information required is a site name and 1 km grid reference.  For less common species, a six (or eight) figure grid reference, together with site name, habitat, substrate, associated species etc. would be useful.  Site lists would be gratefully received.  It is hoped, in the future, to hold occasional meetings in some of the less well-worked areas of the county.  It is also envisaged that a fuller account of bryophyte recording in Carmarthenshire will appear in a forthcoming issue of the Bulletin of the Llanelli Naturalists.

Bryophyte species that have been recorded in v.c.44 are given in the Census Catalogue of Corley and Hill (1981).  Several species have been added to the vice-county list since this date, and these are given below.  The most significant record is that of Scapania gymnostomophila, which in Great Britain has previously only been recorded from Scotland.

Additions to the Carmarthenshire (v.c.44) list since the Corley & Hill census catalogue 1981

Jungermannia sphaerocarpa: by Afon Tywi, near Cil-y-cwm, J J Graham, 1994

Scapania gymnostomophila: on N-facing rock face, Bannau Sir Gaer, T H Blackstock & M Yeo, 1994

Cephaloziella hampeana: flush, Waun Ddu, near Usk Reservoir, G S Motley, 1995

Cephalozia pleniceps: flush, Waun Ddu, near Usk Reservoir, G S Motley, 1995

Sphagnum magellanicum: in Molinia mire, near Esgairdawe, J Bevan, 1994

Sphagnum contortum: in base-rich flush, near Bethlehem, D Gray & J Bevan, 1992 (specimen not yet lodged with BBS recorder)

Brachydontium trichodes: on cliff above Llyn-y-fan Fach, R G Woods, 1981

Leucobryum juniperoideum: on oak, Dinefwr Park, A Orange, 1984

Fissidens viridulus: stream bank, Gwynfe, J J Graham, 1993

Fissidens rivularis: on banks and on stones in water, Afon Cennen; by waterfall, Golden Grove, J J Graham, 1993 

Fissidens monguillonii: by Afon Tywi, Llandeilo, A Orange, 1984

Tortula papillosa: on Elder, near Llangadog, J J Graham, 1994

Gymnostomum viridulum: disused limestone quarry, Crwbin, J A Paton & A C Crudwell, 1978

Racomitrium elongatum: on shingle by Afon Tywi, Rhandirmwyn, A Orange, 1984

Bryum flaccidum: on Elder by Afon Gwydderig, Llandovery, R G Woods, 1982

Orthotrichum sprucei: base of Alder by Afon Tywi, Dryslwyn, J J Graham, 1994

Thuidium philibertii: on lime-kiln waste, Milo, R G Woods, 1983

Isothecium striatulum: limestone outcrop, Carreg Cennen, A R Perry, 1978

Rhyncostegium lusitanicum: on rock in Afon Pisgotwr, near Rhandirmwyn, R G Woods, 1984

References

Corley, M.V.F. & Hill, M.O.  (1981). .Distribution of Bryophytes in the British Isles. A Census Catalogue of their Occurrence in Vice Counties.  British Bryological Society,  Cardiff:.

Hill, M.O., Preston, C.D., Smith, A.J.E.  (1991, 1992 & 1994).  Atlas of the Bryophytes of Britain and Ireland,  Vol.1-3.  British Bryological Society,  Cardiff.

Wade, A.E.,  (1948).  The Bryophytes of Carmarthenshire parts I & II.  Transactions of the British Bryological Society. 1.

Address for correspondence:    Countryside Council for Wales, Yr Hen Bost, 56 Stryd Rhosmaen, Llandeilo, Dyfed, SA19 6HA.