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High in the mist-covered Cambrian mountains, I joined Graham on a visit to a carefully concealed spot, armed with nothing more than a simple, homemade rake. Graham represents the third generation in a family deeply rooted in the commercial collection of moss—a tradition extending back to the 1950s.
Over recent years, the demand for moss has surged, with buyers seeking it for various uses such as spring hanging baskets, Christmas wreaths, and even as bedding material in vivariums to sustain reptiles like geckos and iguanas throughout the year. Despite this increase in demand, research from Bangor University reveals that the number of professional moss harvesters in Wales has shrunk significantly—from about 50 in 2003 down to just 20 today. This decline is attributed to increasing competition from imported moss and stricter regulations governing collection.
Graham, a 54-year-old from Dylife in Powys, manages multiple occupations, including continuing his family’s moss picking enterprise. His forebears began sourcing wild moss over seventy years ago, initially transporting it by horse and cart to the local Machynlleth station for shipment to cities such as Liverpool and Manchester. Over time, they upgraded to vans and lorries to handle larger volumes. Today, Graham harvests approximately 10,000 bags annually, facing stiff competition from international imports originating in China, Chile, and New Zealand. He remarked on the process, saying, “Nothing has changed. Just rake it and bag it.”
The moss picking trade remains a quiet and somewhat secretive pursuit. Graham agreed to share his experience on the condition that the exact location would be kept confidential, respecting the wishes of the landowner who permits moss collection but prefers discretion. This secretive nature appears common within the industry. Jenny Wong from Bangor University, who conducted studies on the trade, encountered reluctance among collectors to participate, possibly due to fears of revealing trade secrets and a preference for solitude in their rugged work environments. She noted, “People who like being up in the mountains in the rain are sometimes not the most sociable of people.”
Wong’s findings uncovered a heritage of moss harvesting in Wales extending over a century. She explained, “Moss harvesting probably started in Wales as far back as World War One when it was used in war dressings and continued since then.” She further emphasized Wales’ unique position, saying, “Wales is the premier place for moss harvesting in the UK, at one time there were lorry loads going into the European market. We have a competitive advantage because we have ideal conditions for growing it.”
Environmental concerns and regulatory tightening, particularly around sphagnum moss—which contributes to peat formation—have led to changes in the industry. Collecting common moss remains legal in Wales, but only with a permit. Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which oversees public woodlands, has no plans to prohibit moss harvesting but now demands more detailed information from applicants seeking permission. According to Fred Kehoe, a senior land management officer at NRW, permits are assessed individually, with the organization requiring precise site locations and increased monitoring. “The time it takes us to look at the sites they want to work and monitor their activities is also a factor,” he said. “So how much staff resource we have to put towards it, but we’re not against it.”
Recently, after a period of uncertainty, Graham had his permit renewed to collect moss from the Hafren forest—a source of about a quarter of his harvest. While acknowledging the necessity of cooperating with regulators, he advocates for stronger support to sustain this traditional and eco-friendly practice as a thriving industry. Graham observed, “It has been a secret industry but now the demand is there for the moss.” He also pointed out that changing climatic conditions appear to be accelerating moss growth. “The climate is changing, winter is wetter, summer is drier and warmer and moss seems to be growing faster,” he noted, adding, “It used to take five years to grow back, now after three years you can pick it again.”
After spending several hours in the drizzle alongside Graham in the fields, both of us were thoroughly soaked. Despite the solitude often preferred by moss collectors, Graham generously offered a rare glimpse into his world, though he admitted that while he gets along with other pickers, they tend to keep their own territories. “We do get on,” he said cautiously, “But we don’t mix so much together—everyone’s got their own patch.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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