Lichens are a much unrecorded section of our wildlife. Yet they cover 6-8 percent of the world’s land surface. Recently more people have become aware of the symbiotic relationship of the fungus and alga (or blue-green bacterium) which make up the lichen.
This one day course with Dr Judith Allinson will take you on a journey of discovery into the world of lichen identification. You will learn how to recognise several common species and gain the vocabulary to describe a new lichen you find to a lichenologist. Suitable for beginners, students, amateur naturalists, and botanical surveyors.
Location: Yorkshire Arboretum Tree Health Centre
Tutors: Dr Judith Allinson Fee: £130
Level: No prior knowledge required
Includes buffet lunch
Please book your place below:
About the Course
Why
Lichens are a much unrecorded section of our wildlife. Yet they cover 6-8 percent of the world’s land surface. Recently more people have become aware of the symbiotic relationship of the fungus and alga (or blue-green bacterium) which make up the lichen. Look at a lichen under a hand lens and see the rich variety of colours and textures and you will soon become hooked! It is easier to come on a course with a tutor and have the species on a branch pointed out to you than to learn them from a book.
Aim
Participants will learn how to recognise several common species of lichen, gain the vocabulary to describe a new lichen you find to a lichenologist, or read about a lichen in a book. And, to learn how some species of lichen can tell us about pollution levels.
Objectives
To learn about common species of lichens growing on trees in the Yorkshire Arboretum, that you can probably find at home too.
To see a variety of other lichens.
To be introduced to and learn and use the vocabulary needed to describe lichens.
To be introduced to some of the books and website pages helpful for identifying lichens.
The above will be achieved by means of teaching in the classroom, followed by a walk to look for lichens on trees in the Yorkshire Arboretum.
Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will:
Have a small collection of lichens to take home, many of these are likely to be growing on trees near them in other parts of Yorkshire.
Seen a variety of other lichens and will have been introduced to and learnt some of the vocabulary needed to describe lichens.
Be able to say whether a lichen is a crustose, fruticose, or foliose lichen.
Have seen two simple chemical tests often used to distinguish lichens.
Have been introduced to some of the books and website pages helpful for identifying lichens.
Useful Accessories
Hand lenses will be available for participants to borrow who do not have a hand lens of their own.
If they have them, participants are invited to bring hand lenses, fine tweezers, a mobile phone, or camera with close up facilities. But do not buy one specially for the course!
The most useful book is Frank Dobson’s “Lichens - An Illustrated Guide to the British and Irish Species” (£35 from the British Lichen society - £5 reduction if you are a member) but as participants are beginners it is not expected that many people will have one.
Waterproof clothing and strong footwear are recommended. It is not anticipated that we will be walking very far.
Notebook, pen, plastic bags, sheets of A4 paper or envelopes, and a penknife can also be useful.
About the Tutor
Judith (or Dr Judith Allinson) started work as a botany tutor at Malham Tarn Field Centre. Since then she has worked carrying out botanical surveys for Natural England (and its predecessors) and other organisations, school teaching and teaching Grasses and Sedges courses at Field Studies Council Centres. Over the last ten years her interest in lichens has increased. She currently hosts the Zoom Lichen Chat and Improvement Group for the British Lichen Society, and has served on Council of the British Lichens Society. She is a past president of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union and is keen to encourage young people to find out about lichens.
Contact
For further information about the course please contact the team by email administration@treehealthcentre.org or phone 01653 648598
