Shropshire: Intermediate level lichen course (INT-1)
Event Type :Training event
Start date : Thursday 10/09/2026 - 09:00
End date: Sunday 13/09/2026 - 18:00
Event Description: Intermediate stage 1 Lichen course (INT-1)
Event duration: 4 full days
Location: Preston Montford Field Studies Centre, near Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 1DX
Tutor: April Windle
Local Organiser: Mark Stephens with assistance from Shropshire Lichen group.
Target audience: This course has been designed for people who have attended a Lichens for Absolute Beginners course with the BLS and ideally who have been practicing lichen identification for a minimum of 12 months following completion. Applications will also be considered from people who have not attended a Lichens for Absolute Beginners course but who are confident that they have sufficient skills and knowledge.
Aims The main focus will be on tutor supervised lichen identification both in the field and in the laboratory, with a significant component in the laboratory. Supportive development of compound microscopy related skills is a key component of this course. These correspond to those detailed on the BLS website https://britishlichensociety.org.uk/learning/skills-and-knowledge
Compound and dissecting microscopes can be provided if needed i.e. it is not necessary to bring one to attend.
By the end of this course participants will have acquired new knowledge and skills:
Have gained confidence in preparation of specimens for compound microscopy.
Have gained confidence in the use of the compound microscope including calibration and measurement of structures.
Be able to recognise a range of different spore types and other lichen micro-structures i.e. of the apothecia and thallus using the compound microscope.
Have employed a structured approach to lichen ID using the ID guides including Dobson but in particular using the Flora (LGBI2&3) etc, along with chemicals C & K , UV and microscopy.
Be introduced to different lichen habitats/microhabitats and environmental drivers of lichen distribution.
Be familiar with the BLS database and recording.
Methods: - The course will be based on participants working together both in the field and laboratory. This will be supplemented by the tutor providing samples for the whole group to work on. There will also be some lectures. With respect to using microscopes help is available from tutor, Shropshire based assistants and we hope more experience participants will aid those with less experience. Prior to the course a list of items/kit to bring along to the course will be sent in advance. Although it is best to bring your own microscopes if you have them, both compound and dissecting microscopes can be provided.
Cost: Participants will be responsible for their own accommodation. However the BLS have organised a package of accommodation to include meals at Preston Montford. This will be approx. £69 (Pus VAT) per person for shared rooms per night and £90 for single room use (plus VAT) per person per night. Participants are strongly encouraged to stay at Preston Montford as there will be laboratory sessions each evening. Once a place has been formally offered a contribution of £50-75 TBC towards teaching costs is required. Further information will be available for successful applicants.
Grants: For those who require financial support please refer to the grants section of the BLS website where such applications can be made to the Wallace-Burnet-Gilbert fund.
Application process: Application forms can be obtained from Sue Knight sueknight10@internet.com. Deadlines for submission of the completed application form is 23rd November 2025.
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