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Existing only at altitudes over 1500m above sea level, and reachable through treacherous terrain, these bio-diverse havens are crucial in maintaining fresh water sources. The thick moss in these montane forests acts as a sponge, feeding the rivers slowly, even in times of drought.
TIP: Tap on the orange arrow to watch our short documentaries about our search for cloud forests in the Philippines.
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Celtic rainforests exist in just a few remaining pockets of the UK. Like their Philippine counterparts, are home to many rare mosses and lichens, and are among some of the worlds most climate sensitive ecosystems, despite storing more carbon than lower tropical rainforests.
TIP: Place, scale and rotate fragments of mossy forests in your own space.
In your space
Abercorris Nature Reserve is located in South Eryri, between Machynlleth and Dolgellau.
We admired a small waterfall with a tree growing out awkwardly from its mossy wall. Its upper branches trophy a handful of oyster mushrooms, a prize for its efforts. Following the sound of the stream down the trail, we discover slate buildings which once housed mine workers, now housed by moss and twisted tree branches. Layers of Dog Lichen coat lower tree trunks, pioneering the bare patches of bark, priming them for future moss to take center stage. A symphony of eco-system masterpieces, sometimes solo, other times orchestral.
In your space
Tan Y Coed is located in the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere Reserve in mid-Wales.
With the prominent backdrop of non-native spruce, the mature forest, while not ancient, is still a testament to local afforestation efforts. It still felt like a celtic rainforest site in vibrant patches of thick moss, and modest pockets of lichen. Tan Y Coed translates to “Under The Trees”, which is where the true magic of the forest lays. Some may consider this site a shadow of it’s former self, trying to maintain its identity. To others, a glimpse of where it’s heading if the mature is allowed to become ancient.
In your space
Rhaeadr Ddu or the Black Falls is in Coed Ganllwyd in the Dolmelynllyn Estate, South Eryri.
Following the river upstream, lumps of rock beneath a carpet of thick moss take on the appearance of tiny hobbit houses. Many mosses and ferns were identified, even growing on the waterfall walls. The falls, loud and casting a refreshing mist, did appear black. The dark rocks behind the stream and the murky tone of the water created a mysterious and lively black pool, striking and portal-like.
In your space
Coedydd Maentwrog is part of the Meirionnydd Oakwoods Bat Sites and Special Areas of Conservation in north Wales.
Situated in the town of Maentwrog - named after a Twrog, a giant from welsh folklore - we were welcomed by rain, and the shelter of the canopy. Trees with gnarled and twisted branches reach out above us, their lower branches like shelves for mosses and ferns. Moss hangs from rotting logs over a stream, taking the same shape as the water flowing over some rocks beneath it. Further downstream a tree grows in the rivers edge, its root flare suddenly resembles a giants foot, bathing or crossing the river. Here we experienced the magic of Twrog , echoed by the growth of forest, in one of the very sites which inspired his existence.
In your space
A foliate head is an ornamental motif of a male head partially hidden by vegetation, with leafy sprays emerging from its mouth and eyes. Tap on the arrow then allow access to your front camera to try on some foliate heads.
TIP: Tap the circles at the bottom to select and deselect a mask. Drag the masks to move them around.
Front camera
Coed Felenrhyd & Llennyrch is a Meirionnydd Oakwood in Blaenau Ffestiniog.
In keeping with the Mabinogion themed visit to Maentwrog, we visited Coed Felenrhyd, an SSSI, and believed to be the site in which Pryderi was killed in a battle with Gwydion. The rain shifted to sun. Moss mosaics exhibited in all shades of green, orange, red and brown, now bask with a golden hue. The furry fingers of haircap moss were dressed proudly with delicate water droplets worn on its narrow green spikes, like miniature jewels, awarded by the recent rainfall. They boast while maintaining a tight grasp.
In your space
Coed Lletywalter is a Site of Special Scientific Interest in Llanbedr, Harlech.
After an initial short climb, we descended to a still bog area, silent and delicate. Haircap mosses stand the tallest we’ve ever seen, providing a fuzzy mattress beneath the gnarled canopy. The trees appear to stretch laterally in unison, as if reaching or praying to an unseen force. Forkmoss and feathermoss provide velvety whispers of gold, yellow and beige amidst the emeralds and jades.
In your space
A folk figure of a leafy man symbolizing death and rebirth, the Green Man is embodied by ‘men in green’ - contemporary guardians and stewards of the forest.
In your space
Grow a mossy landscape by planting moss-covered boulders on the ground on the way to Regina Building. Opens on the 8th Wall platform.
TIP: Tap on the screen to place items in your space.
In your space
Blodeuwedd or "flower-face" from The Mabinogion was a woman created by the wizards Math and Gwydion out of the flowers of oak, meadowsweet and broom.
In your space
Go back to the 360 Forest Trail
Head to the 98B Exhibition Trail
