Multidisciplinary artist Orlando FitzGerald shares his vision of the natural world in a film that illuminates the ecological and historical importance of bryophytes, the collective term for moss, liverworts and hornworts.

Shot in Devil’s Glen on the east coast of Ireland, Na Caonaigh (meaning “the mosses” in Irish and pronounced Na kween-er) outlines the journey of the bryophytes, leaving the ocean and rivers to colonize the earth millions of years ago. Lacking roots, flowers or seeds, this often overlooked group of primitive organisms evolved into all the land plants we see today. Not only do they help prevent soil erosion and flooding but moss also plays a significant role in drawing carbon dioxide from the air.

Fine art photographer Cáit Fahey and ecologist Tim Nairn worked with FitzGerald to create a film that honors the serene supremacy and beauty of bryophytes. While a bluebell or a magpie might catch the eye more readily, the wonderfully intricate patterns of the mosses repay close attention (with a macro lens if possible).

Summers in Ireland are becoming hotter and dryer. Though bryophytes are resilient they are sensitive to temperature variation and it is not clear how many species will survive at the current rate of climate change. While Na Caonaigh provides an unrivaled perspective on the secret life of bryophytes, we're also reminded that perhaps we don’t have much time to sit back and smell the mosses.

Text by Ned Pennant-Rea