Weather; sunny spells, scattered clouds, NNW wind gusts 13mph, 14 degrees.
Now a week on, from our lovely day hunting Lichens in another Lakeland location; we were a small focused group, Caz, Chris, John, Helen, Paul and me. How fortunate we were with the weather, it’s heavy rain here in the Dales, but much needed.
Caz and Chris requested a honest report from a newbie Lichen obsessive; wow, definitely not a detailed report full of tongue tied nomenclature in Latin or Greek from me just yet or ever?!
This was my 2nd field trip with CLBG and I arrived early with my usual enthusiasm and excitement for the day ahead.
We set off before 10’o clock and hadn’t gone far before an Ash pollard was being scrutinised for Lichens (refer to the photos below). It was beside a stream, whereupon John threw himself down amongst the wet rocks and boulders in search of underwater lichens.
My very sparce knowledge, but long time interest in lichens is from an artistic appreciation of their detailed form, makeup, colours and design. So on hearing from Caz and John that there are lichens that can live under water was another surprising lichen fact and therefore broadens a novice’s search and habitat area. Curiosity of this fascinating organism is suddenly widened for a person like me on hearing that.
Along a walled track and at every stream and boulder, my group of experts and enthusiasts could be seen perusing for that uncommon elusive lichen. Pocket note books and magnifiers were out, close up photographs taken, analysis and friendly debates took place. Another Ash pollard en-route suffering with a die back was closely investigated and discreet, non-invasive samples taken, for microscope identification. All very interesting if not overwhelming at times, due to the in depth scientific conversations.
‘Time flies when you’re having fun’ as the saying goes and sustenance was needed. So John and Chris broke for lunch early and then afterwards our meanderings took us uphill and in to a woodland of mostly Birch and Willow. We waded through knee high bracken from tree to tree; however, from my understanding, listening to the group exchanges, different lichen species were generally being found that day on rocks, out of and under water.
We then headed towards open ground and hoped to have reached more Ash pollards, but access was difficult; hopefully next time. Chris managed a quick nap instead.
The day concluded at about 4 o’clock and the next trip was already being discussed.
PS: Inspiring company, great day out, fab weather, beautiful place. Thank you all, Sue.
Text: Sue Turpie
Photos: Sue Turpie, Chris Cant, John Douglass, Paul Hanson
