Lead moss  (Ditrichum plumbicola)

Many of the traditional lead mine sites where this moss grew have closed or been 'worked out' and, through the subsequent re-landscaping, the moss has disappeared. Remaining heaps are also being colonised by other plants as the sites become less toxic, and these threaten to shade out the lead moss. This moss, and others that grow on metal-rich soils are particularly threatened by the loss of old industrial land and mine workings. This is largely due to these sites being regarded as 'waste land', suitable only for re-development.

Lead moss is listed as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP), and is included in English Nature's Species Recovery Programme. It is still unclear just how many sites in the UK have colonies of lead moss. Until this figure is known with greater accuracy, the true status of this species remains uncertain.