Lichens are little ecosystems - communities formed by at least two species, a fungus, that creates the structure, and an alga that provides the energy. They are named after the fungal species, which usually makes up over 90% of the community. Lichens can help us understand the world around us. They can indicate air quality and types of different stone.

In preparation for this event David Hill, Juliet Bailey and Susie Smith have found over 100 lichen species in the churchyard. Most of the lichens are growing on the gravestones, some are on the church wall and others on the trees and shrubs and benches.

Susie will lead a walk around the churchyard looking at the different species and talking about the lichens found on the different types of stone. There will also be the opportunity to look at lichens more closely through a microscope with David, who can explain and answer questions about the detailed features that help identify lichen species.

This is a drop-in activity, so no need to book.

For more information, contact the Gloucestershire Lichen group‍

Susie Smith

Susie is an ecologist who worked for Natural England for 40 years and has been studying lichens for 10 years.

David Hill

David has been studying lichens and teaching about them for over 50 years.

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