Well, the day has finally arrived. After months (OK, years…) of researching, writing, editing, photographing, microscope-fiddling, and occasionally yelling at my laptop – Moss Safari: Exploring the Secret Life in Moss is officially published!
It’s out there. In the world. A real book. With a cover, pages, microscopic creatures, and everything.
If you’ve ever crouched down to peer at a cushion of moss and wondered what’s going on in that miniature jungle – or even if you haven’t yet but now suddenly feel the urge – this book is for you.
Inside, you’ll meet the Microscopic Big Five: the rotifer, nematode, tardigrade, oribatid mite, and gastrotrich. You’ll learn about how these extraordinary organisms survive extremes, adapt to their mossy homes, and why they matter for our understanding of life, evolution, and resilience. There’s also a practical guide so you can go on your very own moss safari with a microscope.
Why Moss?
Because moss is quietly incredible. It’s ancient, tough, delicate, and full of surprises. It’s a miniature world bursting with life, quietly doing its bit for the planet while we stomp around above it. And once you see it – really see it – you’ll never walk past a mossy wall or log the same way again.
What’s Next?
Thursday night (17th June, 5–6pm GMT+1) is the online launch party! I’ll be doing a live demonstration with a microscope, chatting about how the book came to life, and showing off some delightful new Moss Safari merchandise. Come along if you can – it’s free and promises to be full of tiny thrills. Bring a cup of tea, glass of wine and if you want, bring your kids to the screen as well.
And… I’m also kicking off the #WhereDoYouMoss photo competition! Snap a photo of a mossy patch near you, tag it with #WhereDoYouMoss, and you could win a Moss Safari merch pack. Bonus points for scientific flair, extreme mossiness, or unexpected locations.
Grab a Copy
If you haven’t already, you can find Moss Safari online at major booksellers. Whether you’re a curious wanderer, teacher, nature nerd, or just want to impress your friends with the phrase “cryptobiotic survival strategy,” this is your new field guide to the green unknown.
Pelagic Publishing offer a 25% discount if you use the code MOSS25. If you buy from the Amazon link above, Moss Safari gets a small commission.
Thank you to everyone who’s helped me on this journey – editors, friends, family, fellow moss-lovers, and the incredible people who supported this book through thick and (mossy) thin. It means the world.
Let the safaris begin!
Wishing you many marvellous microscopic adventures,
Andy
Moss Safari 