Frank Dobson, author of “Lichens: An Illustrated Guide to the British and Irish Species”, passed away in December 2021. To commemorate his huge contribution to lichenology through publishing, recording and teaching, the British Lichen Society invite you to take part in "Lichens for All – A Month Commemorating the Contributions of Frank Dobson”.
A month of activities will take place in August 2022 including a special one-day commemorative field meeting in Surrey where Frank did so much lichen recording.
- BLS Surrey Field Meeting in memory of Frank Dobson (Saturday 20th August) – Frank’s home turf was Surrey. Members and guests are invited to explore lichens in and around Hampton Park with kind permission of the owner. The old trees in the open park areas and on ancient boundaries within the park are of especial interest. There will also be an opportunity to visit nearby Puttenham Common which has acid grasslands and young woodland and permission is being sought to look at lichens in Seale Churchyard. These sites provide a wide and interesting mosaic of habitats to explore. The meeting will be an excellent way for everyone, from expert to beginner, to celebrate Frank’s life by contributing valuable records and by learning from others. Further information will be added here as plans are finalised.
- Local Field Meetings (various dates) – A variety of field meetings are being organised across the country throughout August, organised by local groups or local representatives.
Details of all meetings will be posted on on the Events page on the Society’s website.
Please do get in touch if you are keen to organise your own event. The Education & Promotions Committee will be happy to offer support, advice and advertising for your event.
Frank Dobson's various field guides and keys are available for purchase through the BLS Shop. A full obituary for Frank Dobson will appear in the Summer 2022 edition of the BLS Bulletin.