Devon Lichen Group - Introduction to Coastal Lichens (Torrs Walk, Ilfracombe)

A Frank Dobson Commemoration Meeting - this is one of the many meetings being held across the country in August to commemorate Frank.

An introductory event to coastal lichens, delivered by Maxine Putnam and John Skinner (local lichenologists) at Torrs Walk, Ilfracombe in North Devon. This area has been well recorded in the past, but the site serves well to provide an introduction to those interested in coastal lichens.

Meet at the National Trust car park (Torrs Park, Ilfracombe EX34 8AZ - SS 5116 4745). Torrs Car Park, EX34 8AZ is also very close. We will be following the coastal path which is rather uneven ground. Much of the route is north-facing and can be surprisingly cold. Bring packed lunch.

Please contact April Windle (devon-lichens@britishlichensociety.org.uk) if you are hoping to attend. John’s mobile on the day: 07508 956 839

Local contact: John Douglass

Meeting Base

The meeting and residential provision is at The Well Road Centre, Moffat DG10 9BT.

Terrain

There are very limited records for this part of Scotland and the meeting will focus on upland rock outcrops and screes (sandstones, shales, mudstones), together with heathland and freshwater.  Some of the hikes may be long and rough going in places.  The crags around Hart Fell, Cold Grain, Black Hope Burn and Carrifran Gans will be visited and possibly White Coombe at 821m (weather permitting).  Good outdoor kit is essential, including wellies for the freshwater work.  OS Explorer map 330

Accommodation and cost

The BLS have booked the whole centre for the duration of the meeting. The meeting is self-catering. There are 13 bedrooms which we anticipate using as twin rooms depending on the level of interest in the meeting. The cost is £80 per person for the week.

Booking

Attendees should book with the field meetings secretary, Graham Boswell, email togooutdoors@hotmail.com or by post to Base Lodge 16 The Parks, Minehead TA24 8BS and pay a deposit of £30 in to the BLS account, CAF Bank sort code 40-52-40 Account No. 00012363 and reference it Southern Uplands, if you are making the payment on behalf of an attendee, please include the attendee’s name.

Microscope Work

There are several large rooms at the centre that can be used for microscope work and meetings. The BLS microscopes will be available for communal use. Please bring your own extension leads.

Bring your problems

Workshop facilitators: Brian Coppins & Neil Sanderson

Field visit leaders to Arncliffe Wood: Dave Minter & Wendy English

Friday 24th to Monday 27th February

The ‘bring your problems’ workshop has been a feature of the BLS meetings programme for some time, last year we have added Lichenicolous fungi to ‘spice up’ the meeting and cater for the growing interest in this area of Lichenology. This year will continue that theme.

The meeting features a field visit to Arncliffe Wood.

Meeting Base

The meeting will be residential at Cober Hill, Cloughton, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO13 OAR.

Tel: 01723870310  email: receptiondesk@coberhill.co.uk - web-site www.coberhill.co.uk to have a look at the accommodation and facilities.

Accommodation and costs

Accommodation for 20 people in single and twin en-suite rooms has been reserved and a deposit paid by the BLS.

Full board accommodation including dinner, breakfast and packed lunch for 3 nights is £365.45 including VAT.  The price includes the cost of the meeting room(s).

The earliest time for check-in is 1500. Dinner is at 1900.

Attendees wishing to stay on Thursday night must book their own accommodation. 

Booking

Attendees should book their rooms with the field meeting secretary, Graham Boswell, email togooutdoors@hotmail.com or by post to Base Lodge 16 The Parks, Minehead TA24 8BS. And pay a deposit of £50 in to the BLS Bank Account, CAF Bank, sort code 40-52-40 Account No. 00012363 and reference the payment Cloughton.

Please advise of any special dietary needs.

Microscope Work

A very large meeting room has been reserved for the duration of the meeting for microscope work and presentations. The BLS microscopes will be available for communal use.

Shropshire Lichen Informal Group (SLIG) field meeting to Cardingmill Valley.

Beginners are most welcome on any of our meetings.

Any potential attendees should contact either Bob Kemp or Mary Steer for further details of the meet (arrangements are subject to change at the last minute eg weather etc).

Contacts: Bob Kemp at rgkemp@hotmail.co.uk or Mary Steer at mary.steer1@btopenworld.com

Shropshire Lichen Informal Group (SLIG) field meeting to Shropshire Churchyard – site to be confirmed. 

Beginners are most welcome on any of our meetings.

Any potential attendees should contact either Bob Kemp or Mary Steer for further details of the meet (arrangements are subject to change at the last minute eg weather etc).

Contacts: Bob Kemp at rgkemp@hotmail.co.uk or Mary Steer at mary.steer1@btopenworld.com

Shropshire Lichen Informal Group (SLIG) field meeting to The Wrekin.

Beginners are most welcome on any of our meetings.

Any potential attendees should contact either Bob Kemp or Mary Steer for further details of the meet (arrangements are subject to change at the last minute eg weather etc).

Contacts: Bob Kemp at rgkemp@hotmail.co.uk or Mary Steer at mary.steer1@btopenworld.com

Shropshire Lichen Informal Group (SLIG) field meeting to Hopesay Church.

Beginners are most welcome on any of our meetings.

Any potential attendees should contact either Bob Kemp or Mary Steer for further details of the meet (arrangements are subject to change at the last minute eg weather etc).

Contacts: Bob Kemp at rgkemp@hotmail.co.uk or Mary Steer at mary.steer1@btopenworld.com

Shropshire Lichen Informal Group (SLIG) field meeting to Elan Valley.

Beginners are most welcome on any of our meetings.

Any potential attendees should contact either Bob Kemp or Mary Steer for further details of the meet (arrangements are subject to change at the last minute eg weather etc).

Contacts: Bob Kemp at rgkemp@hotmail.co.uk or Mary Steer at mary.steer1@btopenworld.com

Shropshire Lichen Informal Group (SLIG) field meeting to Stiperstones.

Beginners are most welcome on any of our meetings.

Any potential attendees should contact either Bob Kemp or Mary Steer for further details of the meet (arrangements are subject to change at the last minute eg weather etc).

Contacts: Bob Kemp at rgkemp@hotmail.co.uk or Mary Steer at mary.steer1@btopenworld.com