I’m grateful to Kim Sellwood of the Techniquest Science Discovery Centre in Cardiff for featuring lichenology in their current environmental careers exhibit, and for asking me to be the face of lichenology for their youth audience!
Techniquest is the UK’s oldest purpose-built science learning centre, established in 1986. It’s dedicated to youth of school age, and to inspiring them about STEM: science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Their current exhibit highlighting ecological and environmental careers runs all through June, and it forms part of a wider project to engage youth with environmental topics. I’m proud to be involved in it.
Lichenology: Dr Anthony Speca
My name is Anthony, and I’m a field lichenologist. This means I study lichens outdoors as a practical ecologist. I also teach about lichens, which are the most amazing organisms no-one has heard of!
Lichens are everywhere. They’ve even survived space! But they’re sensitive to air pollution, and they’re telling us we’re not looking after our environment properly.
Looking at a lichen close-up is like landing on an alien planet. We know a lot less about them than most other wildlife. Many turn brilliant colours with chemicals and UV-light, and some need microscopes to identify. Like a lichen CSI!
