According to this link, the cyanobacteria that only grow on mosses associated with old trees are essential for providing the nutrients for long term health of forests. http://scienceblog.com/43046/bacteria-living-on-old-growth-trees/
Another reason for looking after our old trees, which at present have no legal protection and are often the most vulnerable to felling.
Its an interesting study Philip. Not sure why mosses at a higher level should be more efficient at supporting the cyanobacteria, perhaps higher light levels or simply higher levels of nitrogen in the air, though it's clear however that old 100years+ trees with well developed mosses are an important factor in the health of ancient woodlands. We should have better protection for these trees.
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