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Aims Phytosociological classification of fen vegetation (Scheuchzerio palustris‐Caricetea fuscae class) differs among European countries. Here we propose a unified vegetation classification of European fens at the alliance level, provide unequivocal assignment rules for individual vegetation plots, identify diagnostic species of fen alliances, and map their distribution. Location Europe, western Siberia and SE Greenland. Methods 29 049 vegetation‐plot records of fens were selected from databases using a list of specialist fen species. Formal definitions of alliances were created using the presence, absence and abundance of Cocktail‐based species groups and indicator species. DCA visualized the similarities among the alliances in an ordination space. The ISOPAM classification algorithm was applied to regional subsets with homogeneous plot size to check whether the classification based on formal definitions matches the results of unsupervised classifications. Results The following alliances were defined: Caricion viridulo‐trinervis (sub‐halophytic Atlantic dune‐slack fens), Caricion davallianae (temperate calcareous fens), Caricion atrofusco‐saxatilis (arcto‐alpine calcareous fens), Stygio‐Caricion limosae (boreal topogenic brown‐moss fens), Sphagno warnstorfii‐Tomentypnion nitentis (Sphagnum‐brown‐moss rich fens), Saxifrago‐Tomentypnion (continental to boreo‐continental nitrogen‐limited brown‐moss rich fens), Narthecion scardici (alpine fens with Balkan endemics), Caricion stantis (arctic brown‐moss rich fens), Anagallido tenellae‐Juncion bulbosi (Ibero‐Atlantic moderately rich fens), Drepanocladion exannulati (arcto‐boreal‐alpine non‐calcareous fens), Caricion fuscae (temperate moderately rich fens), Sphagno‐Caricion canescentis (poor fens) and Scheuchzerion palustris (dystrophic hollows). The main variation in the species composition of European fens reflected site chemistry (pH, mineral richness) and sorted the plots from calcareous and extremely rich fens, through rich and moderately rich fens, to poor fens and dystrophic hollows. ISOPAM classified regional subsets according to this gradient, supporting the ecological meaningfulness of this classification concept on both the regional and continental scale. Geographic/macroclimatic variation was reflected in the second most important gradient. Conclusions The pan‐European classification of fen vegetation was proposed and supported by the data for the first time. Formal definitions developed here allow consistent and unequivocal assignment of individual vegetation plots to fen alliances at the continental scale.

Peatlands are the “kidneys” of river basins. However, intensification of agriculture and forestry in Europe has resulted in the degradation of peatlands and their biodiversity (i.e., species, habitats and processes in ecosystems), thus impairing water retention, nutrient filtration, and carbon capture. Restoration of peatlands requires assessment of patterns and processes, and spatial planning. To support strategic planning of protection, management, and restoration of peatlands, we assessed the conservation status of three peatland types within the trans-border Neman River basin. First, we compiled a spatial peatland database for the two EU and two non-EU countries involved. Second, we performed quantitative and qualitative gap analyses of fens, transitional mires, and raised bogs at national and sub-basin levels. Third, we identified priority areas for local peatland restoration using a local hotspot analysis. Nationally, the gap analysis showed that the protection of peatlands meets the Convention of Biological Diversity’s quantitative target of 17%. However, qualitative targets like representation and peatland qualities were not met in some regional sub-basins. This stresses that restoration of peatlands, especially fens, is required. This study provides an assessment methodology to support sub-basin-level spatial conservation planning that considers both quantitative and qualitative peatland properties. Finally, we highlight the need for developing and validating evidence-based performance targets for peatland patterns and processes and call for peatland restoration guided by social-ecological research and inter-sectoral collaborative governance.

We present a first overview of the bryophyte flora of the Russian part of the Curonian Spit as part of the Kaliningrad Province, Baltic Sea region. Based on more than ten years of field investigation, herbarium revisions and literature studies, a total of 223 taxa of bryophytes are recorded, of which 203 species, one subspecies and three varieties were found within the past 30 years and 15 species are known only from old literature quotations. Bryum elegans, B. klinggraeffii, Dicranum tauricum, Ephemerum minutissimum, Rhynchostegium megapolitanum and Schistidium crassipilum are recorded as new for the territory of the Kaliningrad Province. We give comments on main habitats and distribution of all species and additional notes on invasive and rare species. РезюмеНа основе обработки и анализа бриологических материалов, собранных в ходе десятилетнего полевого исследования в национальном парке «Куршская коса» (южная часть, относящаяся к Калининградской области РФ), а также с учётом ревизии литературных и гербарных данных впервые после 1945 г. приводится список мохообразных для данной территории, отнесённой к объектам всемирного наследия ЮНЕСКО. Список насчитывает 223 вида и внутривидовых таксонов из всех трёх классов отдела Bryophyta, из которых 203 вида, 1 подвид и 3 формы найдены за последние 30 лет; 15 видов известны только по старым литературным источникам. Виды Bryum elegans, B. klinggraeffii, Dicranum tauricum, Ephemerum minutissimum, Rhynchostegium megapolitanum и Schistidium crassipilum являются новыми для Калининградской области. Список снабжён комментариями о распространении видов и основных местообитаниях, а для адвентивных и редких видов -дополнительными примечаниями.