This 2.5 day intermediate course will introduce you to lichens – the remarkable partnership between fungi and algae.
Lichens are more than just a biological curiosity; they are key players in our ecosystems, serving as indicators of air pollution and ecosystem integrity. This course equips students with the scientific knowledge and practical skills to identify lichen species, understand their life cycles, and appreciate their ecological significance.
This course includes:
- An introduction to lichen ecology and biology.
- Identification of lichens.
- Techniques for field collection and preservation of specimens, as well as introducing recording and surveys.
- Discussion of lichens as environmental indicators.
Read More
Central to the course is the application of lichens as bioindicators, a tool for environmental scientists to assess air quality and the impact of pollutants on natural habitats. Learners will engage in field surveys, learning to identify and catalogue lichen diversity within various habitats and use this data to assess air quality and habitat health. This practical work is supported by classroom sessions that provide a theoretical underpinning of the biology and ecology of lichens, including their symbiotic nature, reproductive strategies, and adaptability to different environmental conditions.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an ability to identify a selection of common lichen species using a range of identification resources.
- Critically evaluate the role that lichens have as ecological indicators and their use in indicating air and habitat quality.
- Apply knowledge of lichen biology and ecology to real-world scenarios in environmental monitoring and conservation.
Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career consultants and ecologists. This intermediate level course is open to anyone with some existing knowledge of the subject. This course is for those aged 18 and over only.
(You do not need to be a Harper Adams University student to attend this course).
Knowledge Level – Intermediate. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors .
Accommodation and meals
There are three booking options which all include course tuition, evening meals and refreshments:
- Non-Resident (Breakfast and lunch not included)
- Resident (Sole Occupancy)
- Resident (Shared room- please email [email protected] to inquire about this option)
If you choose a resident booking, this includes accommodation on Friday night and Saturday night, and meals throughout the course: an evening meal on the Friday and Saturday, and breakfast and packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
If you choose a non-resident booking, this includes an evening meal on the Friday and Saturday before the evening session. Please bring your own packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
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.
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. We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.
Bookings will close if course capacity is reached.
About the Tutor
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.
Harper Adams University Student Information
Interested in becoming a HAU student?
You can find out more about the Biological Recording and Analysis programme here.
Existing HAU Biological Recording and Analysis Students
This 2.5 day course is one of your optional modules. You will be asked to choose your modules through HAU, and then you will book your accommodation and meal options through the Field Studies Council via an online form we will share with HAU.
If are a student and need more information about this course or the booking process, please email [email protected].
The summative assessment for this module will be set by HAU and will be completed and marked after the course.
Example Timetable
Example Timetable
Please note that this course is currently being developed for 2026 as part of the Harper Adams University ‘Biological Recording and Analysis’ course, so there may be small changes to the example timetable outlined below. Once a detailed schedule has been produced, this will be shared with participants.
Friday
- 1pm - Course begins. Mixture of classroom and field site visits
- 6pm - Dinner
- 7pm - Evening session to consolidate learning.
Saturday
- 10am - 5pm Mixture of classroom and field site visits, with a break for lunch.
- 6pm - Dinner
- 7pm - Evening session to consolidate learning.
Sunday
- 10am - 5pm Mixture of classroom and field site visits, with a break for lunch.
Lunch will likely be in the field, so please make sure you make yourself a packed lunch at the centre if you choose a residential booking, or bring a packed lunch with you if you choose a non-residential booking.
What's Included
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Expert Tuition
The course has been carefully created by expert tutors and educators to help you build your knowledge and apply it within the field, surrounded by like-minded individuals.
The course includes:
- Classroom learning covering the theory of the topic
- Field excursions to apply new knowledge
- Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
- Clear objectives and progression
- Refreshments (tea/coffee)
If you choose a resident booking, this includes accommodation on Friday night and Saturday night, and meals throughout the course: an evening meal on the Friday and Saturday, and breakfast and packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
If you choose a non-resident booking, this includes an evening meal on the Friday and Saturday before the evening session. Please bring your own packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be provided. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.
Bursaries and Subsidies
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.
Student Discount
This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use the discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off all Biodiversity courses.
Before You Attend
What to Bring
- Notebook and pencil
- Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
- Small bag to carry personal items
- A vacuum flask/drink bottle and a bag or a box for carrying a packed lunch.
- x10 Hand lens (if you have one)
- Your preferred lichen ID resources/ guides
Recommended Literature
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- Purvis, W. (2010). Lichens. Natural History Museum.
- Dobson, F. (2018). Lichens: An Illustrated Guide to the British and Irish Species (7th edition). Richmond Publishing, Slough and British Lichen Society.
- Smith, C., Aptroot, A., Coppins, B., Fletcher, A., Gilbert, O., James, P. and Wolseley, P. (2009, reprinted 2011). The Lichens of Great Britain and Ireland. British Lichen Society.
- Field Studies Council fold-out guides – Lichens on Twigs, Lichens of heaths & moors, Churchyard Lichens, Rocky Shore Lichens and Urban Lichens 1 & 2.
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 plan the course.
Opportunities to attend this course
This course is not currently available to book. Dates will follow soon.
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Progress Your Learning
This is a training course from the Field Studies Council, delivered by expert tutors with an approachable learning style. After attending this course, you may like to progress your learning with further relevant courses or branch out into other areas of natural history. The Field Studies Council offers both online and in-person courses, so you can choose the learning style that suits you best.
The course gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new subject and acquire novel skills. Our online portal gives you time to study at your own pace and fit the lessons around your own schedule.
If you have any questions about our courses, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions or email [email protected].
Group Bookings Made Easy
If you have a group of 10 or more individuals wanting to complete one of our courses, our team are available to discuss your options – from discounts to private team courses. Find out more!
You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be at your fingertips. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.
