Lichens for Beginners

This course has been designed with lichen beginners in mind. We’ll begin from a standing start, and we’ll cover all the basics you’ll need to understand what lichens are, what they’re made of, where they grow, how they spread, and why they’re important. We’ll also spend plenty of time outdoors learning how to recognise and observe lichens in the field.

Lichens want close examination, and we’ll collect some specimens for further study in the classroom. We’ll try out some elementary ‘lab’ techniques for analysing lichens, including spot-tests and UVlight, and we’ll learn how to describe and record lichens properly. These techniques will also include an introduction to microscope work, but no prior experience with microscopes is expected, and
microscopy won’t be a major focus of this course.

Our aim is not only to introduce you to the curiously beautiful world of lichens, but also to equip you with the skills and knowledge to look more deeply into the lichens all around you.

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

• Understand lichen types, structure and reproduction
• Understand the fundamentals of the lichen symbiosis
• Recognise and observe lichens in the field
• Photograph and appropriately collect lichens for further study
• Use elementary lab techniques to help identify lichens
• Describe lichens in proper and accurate terms
• Identify and record some common lichens
• Appreciate the beauty of lichens all around you!

Who Should Attend? – This course is suitable for anyone with a real interest in lichens: curious observers, amateur naturalists, aspiring lichenologists or
professional ecologists.

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

Prior Knowledge – No existing knowledge or experience is needed for this course, just a willingness to explore and learn.

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.

Dr Anthony Speca

Dr Anthony Speca is a field lichenologist and educator based in northeast Suffolk. Through Aspen Ecology, he offers lichen surveying, consultancy, training and education. He’s also an active lichen recorder and lichen tutor with the British Lichen Society.

Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly.

This course will involve both classroom learning and field excursions to cover all of the learning objectives.

Lunch is not included if you have not booked an accommodation option, so please bring your own food. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be provided for all.

Timetable

Please note that this timetable may be subject to change

Saturday:
10.00-11.00 – Introduction to lichens, lichen typology
11.00-11.15 – Break
11.15-12.30 – Lichen structure and reproduction
12.30-13.30 – Lunch
13.30-14.00 – How to observe and collect lichens,
14.00-15.00 – Lichen observation and collection (outdoors)
15.00-15.15 – Break
15.15-16.00 – Lichen observation and collection (outdoors)
16.00-17.00 – Lab techniques for lichens, analysis of collected specimens

Sunday:
10.00-11.00 – The lichen symbiosis, how to describe lichens
11.00-11.15 – Break
11.15-12.30 – Lichen observation and collection (outdoors)
12.30-13.30 – Lunch
13.30-14.30 – Lichen observation and collection (outdoors)
14.30-14.45 – Break
14.45-16.00 – Analysis of collected specimens
16.00-17.00 – Recording lichens, next steps with lichens

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

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.

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.

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.

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 plan the course.

What to Bring

• • Notebook and pencil
  • Lunch and refreshments

• Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
• Small bag to carry personal items

If you have them:

• Hand-lens
• Phone or compact camera with close-up facility
• UV torch and UV protective eyewear
• Microscope equipment (if desired)
• Your preferred lichen field-guides

Recommended Literature

• Lichens on twigs WildID Guide
• Common churchyard lichens WildID Guide