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Sphagnum moss


Bonny

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Hi, just new to the forum so wanted to say hello.

Just wanted to use the forum to gauge the demand for live (dried) or freshly picked and moist sphagnum moss in the UK.  The land we own was a former peat bog and as a result is the perfect environment to be growing sphagnum moss.  The mire specialist from the wildlife trust was very impressed with the quality, quantity and species diversity that we currently have on his recent visit!  Hence, we are currently considering harvesting some to sell.  Anyone offer advise on possible demand and where would be the best places to advertise it through.  Don't want to harvest of a large commercial scale just a very niche select plant and wildlife loving market that would appreciate it!!!

Thanks

 

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Hi Bonny and welcome

As someone who has previously bought bulk amounts of good quality Sphagnum moss for my collection, I myself would certainly be interested in finding out more about your proposed plans.

If you establish yourself, the mods here will probably allow you to host an advert as I'm sure others would be interested. As you are looking to approach niche hobbies and amateur growers, your best bet is probably forums like this and affiliation with specific clubs/organisations.

Let me know if/when you have some ready for sale as I'd be interested in a quote. :thumbsup:

 

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I can't speak for everyone's individual needs, but I look for fresh, live moss myself. Dried moss is easier to find in stores/online... good quality fresh sphagnum (responsibly and legally sourced) is harder to come by.

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We have had a mire specialist from the wildlife trust and the forestry commission out to see our land and no legal issues were highlighted.  We own the wood in which the sphagnum is growing and no restrictions were put on the land upon purchase.  The sphagnum would be legally and responsibly harvested in order to ensure sustainability.  We have a few acres of the sphagnum in the 3rd picture so supply vs demand would all depend on how popular it is and it's re growth rate!   

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Hi! I think too that's great! People will especially appreciate live sphagnum in 'polarized' bundles. I mean, with the tips at the top. Way back I went to a collectors' open day in Norwich and bought some live sphagnum from the grower. We harvested it carefully from his cultivated plants and I never looked back. Incidentally, are you making a grow-list of the mosses you have discovered on your land? This would be a great WWOOFing opportunity for the right person!!!

 

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Our aim is most definitely to get the moss to the consumer in the best possible condition so we would definitely be looking to take the extra care and attention to  harvest and sell it in polarized bundles rather than the moss which is sold by the bag load!!!  Photos below are from a little harvest this afternoon approx. 1700g in weight and 22x17xm in size (densely packed).  What sort of quantity would people be looking for and what sort of value would you put on such a bundle??  Stu as the 1st to respond to this post If you would like I am more than happy to send you this harvest!!!!  We will indeed be making a grow-list of mosses.  I'll post it on here as soon as we have completed it! 

 

 

22x17cm 1705g

IMG_1917.jpg

IMG_1919.jpg

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Welcome to the site.As others have said live is best.Good Luck .Keep us posted bound to be lots of interest me included.

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