So you have had an interest in looking and identifying lichens for a while, can identify some of these using the basic toolkit of handlens and chemicals such as K and C, and Dobson’s field guides, and now wish to improve your skills? Do you want to learn the essentials of microscopy for lichen identification and need hands-on experience and advice? Would you like an introduction to Lichens of Great Britain and Ireland Flora and keys? Would you like to improve your ID skills by acquiring a deeper sense of which lichens are found where, and what sort of communities and associations they form a part of?
This course is specifically designed to meet those needs. It’s a 4 day full-board residential course taking place at the FSC Nettlecombe Hall Field Study Centre in the Brandon Hills within the Exmoor National Park, Devon, an accessible location for epiphytic lichens. The course has been developed, organised, and financially-supported by the British Lichen Society. It will be led by Nicola Bacciu, a seasoned professional field ecologist with a special interest in lichens, assisted by Fred Gibson.
A lab equipped with microscopes and related equipment will be available for participants to use during the course which will consist of short lectures and practical workshops in the lab, with a focus on microscopy ID skills, and field trips to nearby locations.
The course should appeal to you, if you have some basic lichen knowledge, skills and experience; for example, if you have a attended a Lichen for Absolute Beginners course and taken part in lichen field trips for a while since then, and now wish to go further with your ID, microscopy and lichen recording skills. On the other hand, it won’t suit absolute beginners, or those who do not wish to learn more about microscopy!
The cost will be £295 each; this includes single occupancy rooms, full-board, tuition and use of the lab and equipment.
It will take place between 30th May and 2nd June 2025. The deadline for booking 1st November 2024, but places are limited to 12. We anticipate a lot of interest so please book early so we can get an idea of numbers and to avoid disappointment!
Please email Sue Knight (email: sueknight10@btinternet.com ) for full details and to reserve a place on the LEAF May 2025 Lichen Intermediate Course
Full-board shared occupancy rooms may be available (£142) and a grant may be available to you if you could use financial assistance.