ATLANTICBYO

Ireland’s temperate rainforests, particularly along the Atlantic seaboard, are some of the rarest ecosystems in the world, providing a unique habitat for specialist species such as Atlantic bryophytes (mosses and liverworts). These plants are critical for maintaining the health of the rainforest ecosystem, as they are highly sensitive to changes in their microclimate.

Ciaran Flynn is currently working on AtlanticBryo as part of his PhD research, which focuses on understanding how Atlantic bryophytes respond to environmental stressors such as overgrazing, invasive species, and climate change. Under the co-supervision of Prof. Jennifer McElwain and Prof. Fraser Mitchell, Ciaran’s work will explore how these bryophytes can serve as ‘early-warning systems’ for detecting changes in habitat quality. This research will play a critical role in monitoring the health of Ireland’s temperate rainforests and contribute to the development of more effective conservation strategies for these rare and ecologically important ecosystems.

Atlantic bryophytes are particularly important due to their genetic uniqueness and the fact that some species are found only in Ireland and specific Atlantic regions. AtlanticBryo will fill crucial knowledge gaps, providing insights that will guide effective conservation strategies to protect these rare ecosystems and their biodiversity, ensuring their resilience in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.