Lichens for Beginners

Make a start on identifying these notoriously difficult yet intriguing, beautiful and environmentally sensitive plants This course is an introduction to the basic structure and ecology of lichens, including the importance of lichens as indicators of environmental pollution. The course will start in the training room at Tyland Barn, where the main focus will be on how to identify some of the most commonly found lichens, using characteristics that are observable with a hand lens. In the afternoon you will be visting Hothfield Nature Reserve and the graveyard at Hothfield Church, where you will practise ID skills in the field. Completing this course will enable you to acquire a basic knowledge of lichens and learn how to identify a range of the more common species. It is hoped that you will also gain the inspiration to pursue the subject further. Suitable for beginners Led by Ros Bennett, Botanist and Ecologist Photo;:Ros Bennett Please note that the visitor centre and cafe at Tyland Barn is no longer open. For further information, please visit the Study Days page of the Kent Wildlife Trust website. Photo: David Steere