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| The
shell commemorates Widecombe's efforts during the first world
war. |
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This 15" Naval Shell was presented by the National War Savings
Committee in 1920 to the people of Widecombe in recognition of their
efforts during the First World War gathering Sphagnum Moss for use
 in
the treatment of wounds |
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Sphagnum
Moss grows in the wet bogland areas of Britain from as far a field
as Devon, Scotland, Ireland and the Northern Moors.
When dry it will absorb several times its own weight in water (liquid
or blood), it was also light to carry as an in-pocket field dressing.
The
use of Sphagnum Moss during that war effort could by now be easily
forgotten, if it was not for the 15" Naval Shell presented to
our small community, as a token of thanks for the effort and time
spent in collecting a vast amount of the moss for the war effort.
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| In
recognition of Widecombe's war efforts |
Standing
under the pentice outside The Church House, in Widecombe village square,
is the shell with its inscription: "This 15" Naval Shell was
presented by the National War Savings Committee in 1920 to the people
of Widecombe in recognition of their efforts during the First World
War gathering Sphagnum Moss for use in the treatment of wounds".
As with so many things living in the wild, we tend to think that there
is an endless supply, this is not so!
The previously mentioned absorbent quality of Sphagnum Moss has come
to the notice of the gardening fraternity in recent years, particularly
for use in hanging baskets.
Both here and in Scotland considerable areas are beginning to disappear.
We must stop robbing our wild life heritage and find artificial materials
to use in their place.
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| You
can still find Sphagnum moss on Dartmoor but resources are being
plundered |
Peat substitutes
are now on the market, helping to save the peat bogs, and there are
suitable linings for hanging baskets, made from reusable and sustainable
by products, so let us continue to enjoy these wonders of nature in
their natural habitat, and use good substitutes now that they are
available.
Let us stop plundering our natural resources, just for the sake of
being ‘in vogue’ for the short term.
We may never know what we will really need, for our and future generations
care and general well being in years to come!
See you next month. Tony.
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