Meeting report

Roslin Glen SSSI is an ancient woodland with sandstone outcrops on the steep slopes above the River North Esk. Ten of us, including two new to the group, met in Rosslyn Chapel car park from where Neil led us into the Glen. The main aims were to find some rare and unfamiliar bryophytes and to help relative newcomers to bryology to recognise some of the more common species.

After admiring two ancient Spanish Chestnut trees and the mosses and liverworts on nearby trees and rocks we paused to examine an old wall where David Chamberlain identified Fissidens pusillus growing on vertical slabs. The path was made more difficult by fallen trees, but there the bryology grew more interesting the as we descended to the river. Neil drew our attention to Hookeria lucens, growing near Plagiochila asplenioides, and David found Cephalozia lunulifolia and C. curvifolia on a dead log. We had already seen C bicuspidata, so were able to compare three species from this genus.

At lunchtime Heather found Scapania nemorea on the steep sandstone cliff above the Esk but the narrow riverside path was unsuitable for access to the next rarity so we retraced our steps before descending by another path. In a damp recess at the base of a tree Neil pointed out Scotland’s only currently known population of Orthodontium gracile which he had recently rediscovered some 20 yards above one of its historical sites following a 20-year period during which it had not been found.

The more agile members of the group managed to clamber or jump down to see Tetrdontium brownianum under a sandstone overhang while the rest of us contented ourselves with more prosaic species, trying to separate Pellia epiphylla from P. endiviifolia.

Finally, at the end of our first day of Spring weather, we made our way back to the Spanish Chestnuts, finding Rhynchostegiella tenella on a shaded wall. David Chamberlain also found Mnium stellare. Warren combined bryology with hunting for isopods and myriapods and found Pill Millipede Glomeris marginata under a rotted log. Carolyn collected fungi on twigs, and I was pleased to see a bumblebee. We heard Ravens, Buzzards, Nutchatch and Dippers, and new shoots of Dogs Mercury were pushing through Winter’s dead leaves.

Thanks to Neil for an excellent day and to David Chamberlain for sharing his immense knowledge.

David Adamson and Neil Bell, February 2025

Meeting details

Location: Roslin Glen, Midlothian
Leader: Neil Bell

Roslin Glen is a steep-sided gorge on the River North Esk just south of Edinburgh with semi-natural ancient woodland supporting an abundance of bryophytes, including a few rarities. An exciting recent development is the refinding late last year of the UK Critically Endangered Orthodontium gracile, previously not seen there for 25 years. This is currently the only known site in Scotland, and while we will search for other candidate populations it’s usually not possible to make definitive identifications of the species in the field. The rare Conardia compacta was previously known from rocks beside Roslin Castle, and while it has not been seen there for a number of years it will be worth conducting a cursory search. The Glen is also the type locality for Tetrodontium brownianum, which is usually fairly easy to see at one location beside the river. As well as the opportunity to search for rarities this will be a chance to experience an attractive and diverse display of common woodland bryophytes in one of the best semi-natural woodlands near Edinburgh.

It’s possible to get a number 37 bus from Princes St. or The Bridges, alighting at the “Original Rosslyn Hotel” stop. Importantly however, you need to get a bus towards Deanburn, NOT Easter Bush, as the latter bypasses Roslin (there are two alternative routes for the 37 going in this direction). For those coming by car there should be plenty of space in the free carpark.

We will be on moderately steep, narrow public footpaths going down into the Glen and will possibly have a few minor obstacles to negotiate (fallen tree trunks across path, slippery rocks beside river). Paths are likely to be muddy. Bring packed lunch and hand lens and wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Meet in the Roslin Chapel carpark, NT 273 631, at 10:30, aiming to finish around 14:30

Please contact David Adamson davidadamson32@gmail.com no later than Friday 14/02/25 if you wish to attend