Many thanks to the Halesworth Area Sustainability Hub for inviting me to lead a lichen walk for their recent ‘biodiversity day’ this past weekend. It was a real pleasure to introduce attendees to the world of lichens hidden right under their noses!
We had but a brief hour for the walk, but fortunately the venue was full of interesting lichens to see. Rydal Mount is a small estate in the northeast corner of Suffolk, but it boasts plenty of good lichen habitat: a traditional orchard whose fruit-trees have never been sprayed with pesticides, secondary woodland with a sunny ride, and a formal garden with a variety of substrates from bark to brick and stone.
Rydal Mount is also surrounded by intensively farmed land. The lichen flora of the estate reflected the eutrophication of the surrounding area, and participants were able to learn how excess nitrogen has impoverished lichen diversity in rural Suffolk.
Many thanks to Rachel Kellett of Halesworth ASH for the lovely write-up on their website, and for describing the whole experience as a ‘magical mystery tour’! It was magical for me, too, and I look forward to more in future.
Walking the path to enlichenment
Lichens are probably the most fascinating yet overlooked life-forms in the natural world. On this walk, Anthony Speca of Aspen Ecology will bring them out of the background. Be captivated by their curious beauty, learn about their ecological importance, and become aware of some of the threats they face in the Suffolk countryside. Take a step down the path to enlichenment, and a walk through the woods will never be the same again!
