When out on a walk you may often see moss growing on the sides of a tree. The bark provides a great anchor for this plant to grow and it creates small micro wildernesses as it does.

There is a saying that it grows on the North facing side of a tree, however that’s not entirely true – the Natural Navigator (Tristan Gooley) has a great article on this topic that’s worth a read.

There are many different species of moss in the UK to list. This article from the woodland trust covers a few of these species:

• Common haircap (Polytrichum commune)
• Silky forklet moss (Dicranella heteromalla)
• Swan’s-neck thyme moss (Mnium hornum)
• Common tamarisk moss (Thuidium tamariscinum)
• Glittering wood moss (Hylocomium splendens)
• Springy turf moss (Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus)
• Sphagnum species

The Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) at Plas Newydd House and Garden (National Trust) are one of the first things that you encounter once in the grounds.

These huge trees from the central coast of California in the US where it is a popular garden and landscape tree. The Monterey Cypress has been planted across Europe outside of its native range. The trees were planted in 1916 and have grown to a fantastic height in a climate that is similar to its native zone.

Having been several times to Plas Newydd these trees I always look forward to seeing for the height, shape and quirkiness that they hold. As you can see from the photo the trunks have lots of notches and holes which give each tree its own characteristics.