Scientists have discovered a new species of fungus in South Wales that kills the invasive heath-star moss.
The discovery provides a potential biological tool to restore native UK habitats. Because the invasive moss outcompetes local plants, its removal could allow native ecosystems in heathlands and sand dunes to recover.
Heath-star moss first arrived on British soil in the 1940s [1]. Since then, the plant has spread across various UK habitats, where it damages the environment by displacing indigenous species. The newly identified fungus targets this specific plant, creating localized areas of destruction.
An unnamed scientist who discovered the moss-die-back fungus said it leaves "fairy rings of death" on the heath-star moss.
Field observations in South Wales show the fungus actively destroying the invasive moss. This natural predator may offer a way to manage the plant without relying on chemical interventions that could further harm the environment.
Researchers are now studying how the fungus spreads and whether it can be used strategically to clear larger areas of infestation. The goal is to create space for native flora to return to the landscape, a process that has been stalled by the dominance of the heath-star moss for decades.
“It leaves "fairy rings of death" on the heath-star moss.”
The identification of a natural antagonist to the heath-star moss suggests a shift toward biological control for habitat restoration in the UK. If the fungus can be deployed without affecting non-target native species, it could significantly reduce the cost and labor associated with manual invasive species management.
