The Francis Rose Reserve

The Francis Rose Reserve is probably the first nature reserve in Europe to be dedicated to mosses, liverworts, lichens and filmy ferns (Cryptogams). Francis Rose is a renowned botanist who pioneered the study of these plants and the sandrock outcrops of the Sussex High Weald where they have taken refuge.

The beautiful habitat at Wakehurst Place contains many nationally rare cryptogams. The reserve covers 25 hectares (62 acres) and stretches from the Himalayan Glade in the public part of the gardens, to Tilgate Wood, just inside the Loder Valley Nature Reserve. In this stretch lie some of the UK's best sandstone rock habitats, already designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

'Cryptogam' comes from the Greek words 'kryptos' meaning 'hidden' and 'gamos' meaning 'marriage'. It was first used in the nineteenth century when botanists could not fully understand how these plants sexually reproduced.

Cryptogams are plant pioneers - the first to colonise new ground, rock and soil. They are vital to many ecosystems. Many lichens and mosses are sensitive 'bio-indicators' - relying on clean air and water to survive. The number of species in an area can reflect the quality of that environment. The cryptogams of the Kent and Sussex Weald include some very special and rare species, such as Tunbridge Filmy-fern (Hymenophyllum tunbrigense), an 'oceanic' species more usually found on the moist Atlantic coasts of Britain and Ireland.

Information panels at the Himalayan Glade Viewpoint in the Pinetum, and along the sandrock outcrops highlight the species to be seen and the habitats they enjoy, as well as the environmental threats they face.

Continue the tour

Back up to: Conservation Zone

Carry on to: Himalayan Glade