Intermediate level 1 lichen course ( LEAF 1)
Start date
Friday 30th May 2025- 10:00 am
End date
Monday 2nd June 2025- 16:00pm
Event duration: 4 full days
Location: Nettlecombe Court, The Leonard Wills Field Centre , Williton, TA4 4HT
Tutor: Nicola Bacciu
Local Organiser: Fred Gibson
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.
See further information on the BLS News Page
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. Dissecting and compound microscopes will be available but please bring your own, if you have either or both of these.
Cost: The cost of the accommodation/meals package at the Centre will be approx. £220 (single occupancy) or £142 ( twin occupancy) , on a full board basis. Once a place has been formally offered a contribution of £75 towards teaching costs is required and further information will follow
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-schol…. 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. Deadline for submission of the completed application form is November 1st 2024