Shropshire Lichen Group: Staffordshire site, to be confirmed

Event Type
Local Meetings
Start date
Event Description:

 

Shropshire Lichen Group meeting

Date: 25th April 2025

Location: A site in Staffordshire, to be confirmed

Time: 10 am

For more information contact mary.steer1@btopenworld.com

More information about this local group can be found here: https://britishlichensociety.org.uk/local-groups/shropshire

Shropshire Lichen Group: Staffordshire site, to be confirmed

Event Type
Local Meetings
Start date
Event Description:

 

Shropshire Lichen Group meeting

Date: 28th March 2025

Location: A site in Staffordshire, to be confirmed

Time: 10 am

For more information contact mary.steer1@btopenworld.com

More information about this local group can be found here: https://britishlichensociety.org.uk/local-groups/shropshire

Lichen Intermediate stage 2 course: From Field to Microscope- Developing techniques, Preston Montford, Shropshire

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Training events
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Event Description:

 

Intermediate stage  2 Lichen course ( LIS2)

Event type: Training event

Location: Preston Montford Field Studies Centre, near Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 1HW. 

Tutor: David Hill

Local Organiser: Mark Stephens 

Target audience: This course has been designed for people who have confidence in using their compound microscope and aims to develop techniques. The course will start with the development of field techniques particularly in relation to sampling saxicolous substrates.  This, and the majority of the course will then focus on developing microscope techniques. There is a strong focus on Laboratory work.

It is expected that people:

  1. will bring their own microscopes (travel arrangements permitting) 

  2. be confident with using their microscope

  3. have practiced cutting sections

Aims : The course will start with the development of field techniques particularly in relation to sampling saxicolous substrates. This, and the majority of the course will then focus on developing microscope techniques. There is a strong focus on laboratory work which will develop techniques covered in Skills and Knowledge for Lichenologists Stage 2 . Please refer to  https://britishlichensociety.org.uk/learning/skills-and-knowledge

Objectives: By the end of the course you will:

  1. Develop confidence in setting up microscopes to best advantage

  2. Develop field ID collecting techniques to add value to your specimens. Overcoming collecting difficulties.

  3. Practice techniques to look at and collect information on vegetative structures 

  4. Use chemical techniques to look at the cortex etc. getting maximum information with minimum damage to the specimen.

  5. Appreciate the value and importance of drawing what you see

  6. Develop skills in cutting sections and mounting them for looking at apothecial and perithecial structure.

  7. Stain sections under the microscope, with K and C

  8. Examine ascus structure and spores details. Using oil immersion.

  9. Develop confidence in chemical testing under the microscope and staining sections, with N and I 

  10. Examine exciple and paraphycial structure

  11. Make specimens for further reference

Cost: The unit price for participants is £103.20 pppn  i.e. £309.60  for the 3 days (we have having 3 evening meals, 3 breakfasts and 3 packed lunches overall)

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: To apply for the course please contact Sue Knight ( sueknight10@btinternet.com) for an application form. The deadlines for submission of the completed application form is 31st Jan  2025

 

Intermediate Level 1 lichen course ( LEAF 1): Rhyd y Creuau, Wales

Event Type
Training events
Start date
End date
Event Description:

Intermediate level 1 Lichen course (LEAF-1)

Event type: Training event

Event duration: 4 full days

Location: Rhyd y Creuau FSC Field Centre

                                     

                                      Field Studies Council 

                                      Rhyd-y-Creuau,

                                      The Drapers Field Centre,

                                      Betws-y-Coed,

                                      Conwy. LL24 0HB

Tutor: Tracy Lovering

Local Organiser: Raymond Griffiths

Target audience: This course has been designed for people who have attended a Lichens for Absolute Beginners course with the BLS and 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 identification both in the field and in the laboratory, with a significant component in the laboratory. Supportive development of microscopy related skills is a key component of this course. These correspond to the ‘Intermediate Stage 1 Skills and Knowledge for Lichenologists’  https://britishlichensociety.org.uk/learning/skills-and-knowledge

By the end of this course participants will :

  • Have increased the number of lichen structures and lichens that can be identified in the field in different habitats and in the laboratory employing a structured approach, using the ID guides including Dobson and the Flora (LGBI2&3) etc, chemicals C & K , UV and microscopy.
  • Have gained confidence in the preparation of specimens and use of the compound microscope for ID. 
  • Improve understanding and identification of different habitats/microhabitats
  • Be familiar with the BLS database and recording and environmental drivers of lichen distribution.

Methods: The methods will be based on participants working together in the field and laboratory for ID work, under tutor direction. This will be supplemented by tutor led whole group worked examples and a small series of lectures. Regarding microscope work, the more experienced participants will aid those with less experience. 

Participants could bring their own dissecting and compound microscopes if available, but microscopes will be provided if needed.

Cost: The cost of the accommodation/meals package  at the Centre will be approx. £393.60 ( single occupancy, full board) for four nights. Once a place has been formally offered a contribution of £50-75 (TBC) towards teaching costs is required.

(Participants who have a long way to travel could stay at the centre on Friday night if necessary )

Grants: Participants should not be discouraged due to costings and are encouraged to consider applying for a grant from the society’s Wallace-Burnet-Gilbert Fund if needed. Details of this can be found at https://britishlichensociety.org.uk/the-society/membership/grants-scholarships There is an application form at the bottom of the webpage.

Application process: To apply for the course please email sueknight10@btinternet.com for an application form by 15th Jan 2025. Deadlines for submission of the completed application form is 31st Jan 2025.

 

Shropshire Lichen Group: a Shropshire church, location to be confirmed

Event Type
Local Meetings
Start date
Event Description:

 

Shropshire Lichen Group meeting

Date: 14th February 2025

Location: a Shropshire church, location to be confirmed

Time: 10 am

For more information contact mary.steer1@btopenworld.com

More information about this local group can be found here: https://britishlichensociety.org.uk/local-groups/shropshire

Shropshire Lichen Group: a Staffordshire church, location to be confirmed

Event Type
Local Meetings
Start date
Event Description:

 

Shropshire Lichen Group meeting

Date: 24th January 2025

Location: a Staffordshire church, location to be confirmed

Time: 10 am

For more information contact mary.steer1@btopenworld.com

More information about this local group can be found here: https://britishlichensociety.org.uk/local-groups/shropshire

Shropshire Lichen Group: a Shropshire church, location to be confirmed

Event Type
Local Meetings
Start date
Event Description:

 

Shropshire Lichen Group meeting

Date: 17th January 2025

Location: a Shropshire church, location to be confirmed

Time: 10 am

For more information contact mary.steer1@btopenworld.com

More information about this local group can be found here: https://britishlichensociety.org.uk/local-groups/shropshire

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