What better way to spend a lovely, sunny, late-spring day than to introduce a group of eager beginners to the secret world of lichens right under their noses! Or under their feet, as the case may be, where we saw Peltigera didactyla in short, rabbit-grazed turf on at the Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve (image above).
Carlton Marshes are a wide expanse of floodplain marsh and lowland fen along the River Waveney in the Broads National Park. Though the marshes and fens themselves are too changeable and unstable for lichens, the reserve is still rich with diverse species. After an introductory presentation, participants were able to observe lichens on all major substrates: on the bark of the many marshland trees, of course, but also the ‘stone’ of an old concrete sluice, the lignum of old picnic tables, and the earth of sandy, rabbit-scraped ground.
None of the participants had experience of lichens, and I think it’s fair to say that the workshop was an eye-opener. Feedback was uniformly positive, with many lovely comments:
Brilliant delivery, Anthony shared his extensive knowledge with so much enthusiasm and clarity.
Excellent course — fascinating glimpse into a whole new world.
Anthony’s enthusiasm was infectious. More please.
And on that last comment, I’m delighted to say that I’m speaking with the SWT already about future workshops at Carlton Marshes, and hopefully at other SWT reserves as well. Stay tuned!
Understanding and appreciating lichens
Lichens are probably the most fascinating yet overlooked life-forms in the natural world. In this half-day workshop, Anthony Speca will bring the compelling world of lichens out of the background. We’ll begin with an enjoyable and stimulating introduction to lichens, and then we’ll head out into Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve to observe lichens ‘in the wild’!
Anthony is the field lichenologist behind Aspen Ecology. A committed naturalist, educator and communicator, he is a knowledgeable guide and responsive advisor on the remarkable world of lichens.
The field notes and lab notes for various lichen species on this website refer to special field-lichenological techniques. Examples include collecting lichens in the field, testing lichens with chemicals and ultraviolet light, and dissecting lichens with razors or other sharp tools.
These and other field-lichenological techniques require special knowledge and experience. They also demand an ethics of respect for lichens and other wildlife, for conservationally significant species and sites, and for land and landowners.
You should not attempt any of these techniques if you lack the necessary knowledge, experience or ethical sense. You should also take all relevant safety precautions. More information about field-lichenological safety and ethics is available from the British Lichen Society .
