Lichens are a fascinating partnership between fungi and algae. They can be found growing on various surfaces, including tree trunks, branches, rocks, and soil. There are many species of lichens found across different habitats and climates, and most are highly adapted to survive in nutrient-poor environments. Lichens are considered an indicator species, meaning they can provide valuable information about environmental conditions. Most lichens will not grow where the air is polluted, so if we find them we know the air quality is good.
Monitoring lichen populations in woodlands help assess the health of the environment. Lichens are useful to their environments in many ways. They provide habitat and cover for small insects and spiders. Lichens can grow in a wide range of shapes and colours. Sometimes they appear as crusty patches, sometimes as leafy structures, and sometimes as woolly tufts. Some lichens, such as Old Man’s Beard, have been used in traditional medicine and craftwork.