Sphagnum Moss Day - Drop In
Saturday, August 9th 2025 10:30am - 1:00pm
Shetland Museum and Archives
Sphagnum moss is found all over Shetland and known for its ability to retain liquid and antiseptic properties. For centuries it has been used as dressings and during the First World War people from across Britain were asked to collect sphagnum. Many Shetlanders responded by taking to the hills and filling bags of moss. An urgent appeal for more moss resulted in Shetland’s first Sphagnum Moss Day on 9th of August 1917, a holiday was granted and folk from Unst to Sumburgh were asked to participate. Car owners were asked to transport folk from the town to nearby hillsides.
Today to celebrate Sphagnum Moss Day, rather than gathering moss, we are putting it back into the landscape to help restore peatland. This activity will start in Shetland Museum & Archives where you’ll learn about the sphagnum’s properties, the history of moss gathering and its uses. For the second hour, you’ll head to Sandy Loch to plant sphagnum along with the Peatland Restoration Officer.
Free drop in event, dress appropriately for the weather.
Car share encouraged between locations.
Meet at Shetland Museum & Archives at 10.30am and Sandy Loch Drive at 11.45am
Category: Family Events, Community Events
