A plant species that has survived virtually unchanged since before the dinosaurs walked the Earth has been reintroduced to a Hampshire heathland site in a landmark conservation effort.
The marsh clubmoss, known scientifically as Lycopodiella inundata, was planted at Eelmoor Marsh near Farnborough by a team from Marwell Wildlife. The 195-acre site, managed by the charity since 1995, is one of the last strongholds for the species in England, where it now survives at fewer than ten locations.
Key Points
- ✅ Marsh clubmoss reintroduced to Hampshire heathland after 400 million years of evolution
- ⚡ Project part of £500,000 restoration effort across four UK sites
- 💡 Rare plant relies on damp, peaty soil and open ground to thrive
Conservationists say the reintroduction marks a turning point in efforts to reverse the plant’s dramatic decline. Once widespread across Britain’s wet heathlands, marsh clubmoss has vanished from 95% of its historic range due to drainage, land development, and climate change. The species is now classified as endangered in England.
| Habitat Factor | Pre-2020 | Post-2025 Restoration |
|---|---|---|
| Soil Moisture | Dry, compacted peat | Wet, spongy peat retained by dams |
| Ground Cover | Dense grass and scrub | Patchy bare soil and moss |
| Grazing Impact | Minimal disturbance | Controlled by Przewalski’s horses and Highland cattle |
Marwell Wildlife’s senior UK conservationist, Carla Broom, said the reintroduction was the culmination of three decades of habitat restoration at Eelmoor Marsh. “We’ve spent years recreating the wet, open conditions this plant needs,” she said. “The dams we installed in November 2025 were critical—they’ve already raised the water table by 15 centimetres, which is enough to keep the peat saturated.”
💡 Pro Tip
Restoring peatlands requires patience and precision. Start with small, controlled grazing areas and monitor soil moisture weekly to avoid over-drying or waterlogging.
Holly Stanworth from the Species Recovery Trust, a partner in the project, said the work was part of a national push to secure the plant’s future. “Marsh clubmoss isn’t just a relic—it’s a living indicator of healthy heathland,” she said. “By restoring it, we’re helping entire ecosystems bounce back.”
The £500,000 project, funded by Natural England and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, also includes reintroductions at three other sites in Dorset and Surrey. Early signs suggest the Hampshire population is already spreading, with new shoots emerging within weeks of planting.
📋 By The Numbers
- 1995 — Year Marwell Wildlife began managing Eelmoor Marsh
- 15 cm — Increase in soil moisture since dam installation in November 2025
- 95% — Estimated loss of historic marsh clubmoss habitat in England
- 4 — Number of UK sites targeted in the current restoration programme
Broom warned that the success of the reintroduction is not guaranteed. “This species is incredibly sensitive to changes in water levels and trampling,” she said. “We’ll be watching closely over the next two years to see if the plants establish and reproduce.”
For now, the return of the marsh clubmoss to Eelmoor Marsh offers a rare glimmer of hope for one of Britain’s most ancient and endangered plants—a species that has endured since the time when giant ferns dominated the landscape.
