Distribution maps
Dot maps for all the lichens and lichenicolous fungi for which there are records in the BLS database are included in the Species Account pagess on this website, and were last updated in August 2024. They are in a standard format, with dots relating to 10km square hectads and different colours used for records made pre-1960 (pale green), since 1960 (blue) and since 2000 (red).
Higher precision maps for smaller areas, such as regions and vice counties, are available on request, and we can also supply coincidence maps that show the number of records for each square. These can be particularly useful in highlighting unrecorded areas.
The Species Accounts also link to our interactive maps, which show records to 1km precision and allow you to zoom in and out. These were also last updated in August 2024.
Records
We are happy to supply the latest data we hold on sites, vice counties or species to anyone who needs it. This is usually in the form of an excel spreadsheet but there are other option. Email records@britishlichensociety.org.uk, and we will aim to respond within a couple of days.
NBN Atlas
The BLS datasets for England, Scotland, Wales, and the Mapping Scheme can also be accessed through the NBN Atlas https://nbnatlas.org/, but they have not been updated there since 2017. The NBN Atlas is a website run by the National Biodiversity Network. which brings together records for many species groups, including mammals, birds, invertebrates and plants, and can be searched by species, location or for an map area. There are restrictions on the use of records from the NBN Atlas for commercial purposes, publications or research so users should check the licences and respect them.
Please note that there are also lichen records on the NBNAtlas that were not supplied by the BLS and have not been through expert review, these should not be relied on. Critical lichen records should always be checked against the latest information in the BLS database.
Correcting errors
We put a lot of work into reviewing and correcting the records we hold, but the BLS can take no responsibility for the accuracy of records in our database or on the NBN Atlas. There will always be errors in a database of this size, some are errors of determination (often just input errors), others relate to the location, grid references or dates. If you notice any problems, or can provide additional detail to add to a record, please do let us know and we will update the database.