Dr Neil Bell, Bryologist
I work on the taxonomy, phylogenetics and conservation of bryophytes, i.e., the three non-tracheophyte land plant lineages—the mosses, liverworts and hornworts.
My research has two major strands. I’m interested in the systematics and taxonomy of key bryophyte groups and the evolution of traits underpinning their success, particularly the austral and South East Asian pleurocarpous moss orders and the quasi-tracheophyte order Polytrichales. I also conduct research aimed at understanding and conserving Scotland’s internationally important bryophyte flora, looking at the fine-scale taxonomy, ecology and spatial phylogenetics of globally rare oceanic and hyper-oceanic elements such as oceanic-montane liverwort heath.
Despite their considerable diversity and the critical roles they play in ecosystem services such as carbon storage and the water cycle, bryophytes are poorly understood and under-researched. My work often involves outreach activities aimed at increasing awareness of mosses and liverworts, while I support the academic bryophyte community in my role as Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Bryology. I chair the Publications Committee of the British Bryological Society and am a member of the IUCN SSC Bryophyte Specialist Group.
Contact: nbell@rbge.org.uk
Selected resources and projects
IUCN SSC Bryophyte Specialist Group