Bearded Stonewort Chara canescens
Bearded Stonewort Bearded Stonewort (Chara canescens) is a nationally scarce aquatic alga of brackish and mildly saline water, found in coastal lagoons, grazing marsh ditches, and the upper reaches of estuaries. It is one of the few stoneworts tolerant of brackish conditions, and its presence indicates stable, moderate salinity and reasonable water quality. Suffolk’s extensive estuarine and coastal grazing marsh systems – particularly around the Alde–Ore, Blyth, and Waveney – support some of the most important populations in Britain. Coastal squeeze, altered hydrology, and water quality deterioration are the principal threats to this distinctive species. Image: © Martin Sanford.
Find out more: iNaturalist, Plantlife, Marine Life Information Network
Suffolk’s Priority Freshwater Algae Species
Key
Listed as a conservation priority in Suffolk’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
Closely associated with Suffolk’s landscape and natural identity.
Identified as a key priority for recovery under Suffolk’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Has a Species of the Month article attached.
