Nitrogen concentrations in mosses indicate the spatial distribution of atmospheric nitrogen deposition in Europe

► Nitrogen concentrations in mosses were determined at ca. 3000 sites across Europe. ► Moss concentrations were compared with EMEP modelled nitrogen deposition. ► The asymptotic relationship for Europe showed saturation at ca. 15 kg N ha−1 y−1. ► Linear relationships were found with measured nitrogen deposition in some countries. ► Moss concentrations complement deposition measurements at high spatial resolution.