What’s the story?
The Magical World of Moss.
Is that a new theme park?
I can see how you might jump to that conclusion. But, nope, I am talking about a BBC Four documentary.
I’m not a big fan of moss …
Let me guess. You are about to gripe about how it turns your patio a yucky green colour and creates a pesky slip hazard?
You know me too well.
Indeed. Let’s proceed. This beautiful film – packed with mesmerising time-lapse photography and CGI footage – travels to the moss-covered landscapes of Japan, Iceland, France and Denmark to hear from the scientists investigating its incredible properties and potential.
Fun fact: Moss evolved from oceanic algae that emerged onto land 450 million years ago and played a role in helping transform this planet “from an arid rock into a lush world.” According to the programme blurb: “Mosses have colonised almost every corner of the Earth’s surface.”
That last bit sounds like a sci-fi thriller voiceover.
You are not entirely wrong. There is an element of Tomorrow’s World about it. One of the fascinating strands explored is how moss could assist humans on a quest to boldly pioneer outer space – including the hostile environment of Mars – in the not-so-distant future.
When can I watch?
The Magical World of Moss is on BBC Four, Wednesday, 9pm.
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