Welcome to Nordic Bryological
Society (NBS)
Our society is a meeting place for all those who are
fascinated by the discreet charm of bryophytes (mosses, liverworts and
hornworts). In the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and
Sweden) you can find about 1200 bryophyte species, which is more than five
percent of the total number of known species worldwide. Bryophytes are
abundant, and often dominant, in a wide array of nature types like mires,
boreal forests, calcareous grasslands, mountain slopes, arctic heaths and
stream beds. To enjoy the world of bryophytes you may need to bend your knees
and curve your back, and, perhaps look through a magnifying glass. But if you
make this effort you will find an astonishing diversity of life forms with
great beauty.
The primary objective of NBS is to stimulate contacts
among Nordic bryologists, both professionals and amateurs. Membership is open also for bryologists residing outside the
Nordic region.
- NBS arranges annual excursions, primarily
within the Nordic region. These excursions make it possible for our
members to meet and to explore regional bryophyte floras. Note that you do
not need to be an expert to join our excursions - if you are a novice you
will get help from more experienced participants.
- NBS encourages all branches of bryological research. The society has also organized
scientific workshops and conferences in order to promote research.
- The society is together with
the Dutch bryological and lichenological society
responsible for the issuing of a scientific journal, Lindbergia. The
journal is named after a famous Swedish-Finnish 19.th century bryologist, Sextus Otto Lindberg (1835-1889). Lindbergia
publishes original research from any field of bryology. Members get
discounted subscription fees.
- NBS has published Illustrated Flora of Nordic
Mosses by Elsa Nyholm and Illustrated flora of Nordic
Liverworts and Hornworts by Kell Damsholt. These floras contain keys for determination
and accurate descriptions of bryophytes occurring in the Nordic region
(including Svalbard).
- NBS is also responsible for
mapping the geographic distribution of Nordic and Baltic bryophytes. The
maps are presented in three volumes Preliminary
distribution maps of bryophytes in Northwestern Europe (I-III).
These booklets are distributed by the Swedish organization Mossornas Vänner.
Bryophytes are neglected as compared to vascular plants.
However, many aspects of the bryophyte life style make them interesting objects
for amateur plant studies as well as scientific investigations.
We invite you to challenge the world of bryophytes as
a member of the Nordic Bryological Society.
Web-master: Gerhard Kristensson
The page was last updated 2004-10-04