Identifying Lichens

The workshop will include a series of field visits to local sites around the FSC Preston Montford Centre, situated in the rolling hills of Shropshire. With the rich lichen diversity across the county, the Centre is perfectly situated for an introductory course to lichens, especially with the spectacular variety that can be found in the West Midlands. The knowledge and skillset acquired over the duration of this course will equip you with the confidence to delve further into lichens as a group, where follow-up support is offered by the course tutor. This course will have a strong focus on lichens in local habitats, where students will encounter a suite of common lichen species in urban settings, with a strong focus on indicators of air pollution.

What will be covered during this course?

The course will be delivered through a combination of presentations, laboratory identification sessions and practical field work. Field work will involve visiting a range of habitats where the specimens can be identified within an ecological context.

• Introduction to lichens – biology, chemistry & ecology.
• Identifying common lichens around the centre and local field trips.
• How to identify lichens:
  • Demonstrations of equipment – handlens, microscope & ID guides.
  • Thallus types/structure – crustose, foliose, fruticose, leprose & squamulose.
  • Key features – apothecia, perithecia, soredia, isidia, rhizines & cilia.
  • Lichen literature & the use of identification keys.
  • Chemical testing and safe application as a form of identification.
• Common lichens in urban settings.
• How to record lichens:
  • Concept of herbaria and reference collections.
  • Introduction to biological recording and submitting records to the British Lichen Society (BLS).

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

•  Develop a greater understanding of lichens (biology, chemistry & ecology).
• Confidently use equipment and resources provided.
• Identify the main thallus types/structure in the classroom & in the field.
• Recognise the main features used for ID in the classroom & in the field.
• Identify some of the commoner lichens & their associated features.
• Gain insight into lichen literature & the use of dichotomous keys.
• Successfully apply chemical testing for identification purposes.
• Understand the importance & process of biological recording/collecting specimens.

Who Should Attend? – Natural history enthusiasts, students, rangers, ecologists, environmental professionals.

Knowledge Level – Beginner. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors

Prior Knowledge – No prior knowledge is required before attending this course and will cover the basics in lichen identification and recording.

Please Note: If we are unable to reach viable numbers for this course, we will inform you of the course cancellation 4-5 weeks prior to the course run. Please see the ‘What’s Included’ section for more information about accommodation and meals options.

Bookings will close if course capacity is reached.

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

April Windle

April Windle is a naturalist with a particular interest in lichens. She is currently self-employed and involved in a variety of lichen education and conservation projects, alongside co-chairing the Education & Promotions Committee of the British Lichen Society. Her previous employment history includes Plantlife International, the Natural History Museum, Exmoor National Park Authority and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. LinkedIn: April Windle / Twitter: @aprilwindle

The course runs each day from 9 am – 5pm, with an hour for lunch. If you have not booked an accommodation option, please bring a packed lunch on both days. The classroom will also be open in the evening from 7pm onwards for those who wish to continue their studies (where tutor support will be on hand). No content will be covered, but this provides participants with the opportunity to work through specimens.

Example Timetable

Please note this is a provisional timetable. Plans may change dependent on weather, the Centre and group preference.

DAY 1: 

1. Morning - classroom

Introduction to lichens – biology, chemistry, ecology & bioindication. Followed by lichen identification & recording, which includes:

Demonstrations of equipment – hand lens, microscope & ID Guides.  Concept of herbaria and reference collections. Thallus types/structure – crustose, foliose, fruticose & leprose etc.  Key features – reproduction, attachment & colour etc.  Introduction to chemical testing and safe application.

2. Afternoon – field visit

The classroom will also be open in the evening from 7pm onwards for those who wish to continue their studies (where tutor support will be on hand). No content will be covered, but provides participants the opportunity to work through specimens.

DAY 2: 

1. Morning – classroom

Personal time to consolidate learning and work through specimens, with tutor available to help & answer questions.

2. Afternoon – field visit

*Due to the limited amount of time available, this course will not cover how to complete a cross-section or use a compound microscope. Only a dissecting scope will be used as part of this workshop.

• 
  Expert Tuition

The course has been carefully created by expert tutors and educators to help you continue to build and develop your knowledge and apply it within the field surrounded by like-minded individuals.

The course includes:

• Classroom learning covering the theory of the species
• Field excursions to apply new knowledge
• Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
• Clear objectives and progression
• Refreshments (tea and coffee)

You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be provided. In choosing this course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.

Accommodation and meal options

We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.

For courses runs at Field Studies Council Centres, there may be the option to book accommodation with your course. If accommodation is available, there will be two booking options:

• Non-Resident
• Resident (Sole Occupancy)

If you choose a Non-Resident booking, this includes course tuition and refreshments (tea and coffee) only. Please bring your own packed lunch for Saturday and Sunday.

If you choose a Resident (Sole Occupancy) booking, this includes accommodation with your own bedroom for two nights (starting the evening before the course) and meals throughout the course (including an evening meal on the night before the course through to packed lunch on the final day of the course). You will be able to check in from 4 pm on the day before the course.

If your booking has more than one person and you would like a shared room, please email [email protected] to inquire.

Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable. Please also note that bathrooms may be shared.

• ★★★★★

  April really is a people person and was able to establish a relaxed atmosphere during the first session

• ★★★★★

  It was all fascinating, the course tutor was very good, the other course participants were very interesting

• ★★★★☆

  The balance of field and classroom work was good and I felt I came away with sufficient tools and understanding to continue to expand my knowledge of the group. The tutor introduced the topics in a logical and steady way and followed these up with field experiences to reinforce klnowledge and understanding. A well thought through course.

• ★★★★☆

  The opportunity to come and immerse myself in a subject, with the mixture of classroom sessions and field work and the evenings in the lab, is priceless.

Student Discount

This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off all Biodiversity courses.

Natural History Bursaries

There are a number of natural history bursaries available to help with the cost of your course. To find out if you and your chosen course are eligible, read more here.

There will be a member of staff with first aid training and access to a first aid kit on site. If you have special medical or access requirements, please let us know as soon as possible so we can make any necessary adjustments.

What to Bring

• Sturdy walking boots (ideally) or wellies.
• Good set of waterproofs (jacket & trousers) and an umbrella.
• Warm clothing (i.e. fleece, hat & gloves).
• Sun cream & clothing for cooler weather.
• Pens, notebooks and waterproof covers/plastic bags for the field.
• Phones and cameras will also prove useful for pictures.
• A day rucksack inc. lunch box, water bottle & thermos flask.
• A x10 magnification hand lens. Those costing between £3.00 - £5.00 are sufficient.
• Please bring your own refreshments & pack lunch if you have not booked an accommodation option.

Recommended Literature

• Field Studies Council fold-out guide – Lichens on Twigs, Lichens of heaths & moors, Churchyard Lichens, Rocky Shore Lichens and Urban Lichens 1 & 2.
• Frank Dobson – A Field Key to Lichens on Trees, Coastal & Seashore and Churchyards.
• Frank Dobson - Lichens: An Illustrated Guide to the British and Irish Species.