For the last few years we’ve done a lichen morning with students on the University of Cumbria’s Wildlife and Media course in Carlisle. This usually involves a walk from the Brampton Road Campus along Tarraby Lane to Hadrian’s Wood, where there’s a lot of common lichens growing on the trees. We also look at lichens on the campus walls and pavements, though the remarkable wooden rubbish bin appears to have been removed by the University authorities.
Here’s what a couple of this year’s students had to say- and some of the photos they took.
I learnt just how interesting they are and how they can survive in so many weathers. I was surprised to also see that they’re everywhere and how we can mistake them for chewing gum! – Corinne Rose Holyoake
I loved the session with Pete – I learnt so many new and interesting things. What fascinated me was how much we don’t know about lichen and how the connection between the fungi and algae/cyanobacteria is formed.
I was surprised by how diverse lichens are, and realised leafy ones, specifically xanthoria parietina, are my favourite – I’ve never had a favourite lichen before!
We even found some lichenicolous fungi living on some physcia adscendens.
They way they act as a bioindicator for air quality and woodland management is so exciting and shows just how vital they are for every ecosystem. I definitely won’t be overlooking lichen anymore.
Since then, I’ve got myself a hand lens and take it everywhere with me because lichen and moss is everywhere! It’s opened up a new world of tiny things, not just lichen, which I had never considered before. – Lucy Ruddle
