Marsh clubmoss  (Lycopodiella inundata)

Marsh clubmoss was once much more widely spread and was once described as 'common'. Since 1855, loss of habitat by drainage has caused a major decline in its populations. Today, it is principally threatened by neglect and scrub encroachment arising as a result of the decline of sustainable peat-cutting, under-grazing and, possibly, pollution.

Marsh clubmoss is listed in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP), and included in English Nature's Species Recovery Programme. In order to return this species to its former range, a number of re-introduction projects have taken place. In one case, the turves containing the clubmoss specimens were sent by post in a biscuit tin. All of these re-introduced plants have shown some signs of initial success, but over the long-term, they do not seem to be surviving. The reasons for this are not clear at present but the sites are being monitored in order to discover the source of the problem. Conversely, where plants have been introduced to new sites where there is proper management, they seem to have survived much better. However, in the case of the Norfolk site, it is well managed but still the plant does not seem to be responding.