Bryophytes are an informal group consisting of three divisions of non-vascular land plants: the liverworts, hornworts and mosses. They are characteristically limited in size and prefer moist habitats although they can survive in drier environments. 

There are a number of liverworts, hornworts, mosses, (Bryophytes) algae and fungi which are considered significant. Indeed there are some Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) which are listed to protect their Bryophyte and fungi interest. 

These sites can be subject to potential harm as a result of development, even if the development is not directly within the boundary of the protected sites.