The British Lichen Society

The final presentation of our AGM, concludes with David Hill talking about “The life of lichen lobes”, talking about lobe development in lichens as an important mechanism for lichen growth, taking lichens from 2-D TO 3-D. #lichens

James Paton shares with us the lichen in his local area of Edinburgh, titled “The Street Where I Live”. Targeting unrecorded squares in the city and generating records! This highlights how you can contribute significantly to lichenology, whilst staying close to home!!! #lichens

We now have Les Knight talking to us about the Lichens on drystone walls in Swaledale, discussing his observations on species diversity and distribution. Les has studied the rock in this valley for a long time and is great to hear about his studies! #lichens

Our next presentation is by Susan-Mary Benbow, talking about Stella Lavinia Thrower. Giving fascinating history of Stella’s work on the Isle of Mann, Australia and Hong Kong. An incredible woman, with vast experience as an optician, lichenologist and botanists. #lichens

A handful of the wonderful stalls we have in the AGM foyer. From lichen sculptures, research projects, books for sale, student projects, photography and much much more. There is so much talent across the Society and we celebrate this every year at our AGM. #lichens

We now have our President and organiser of the Shropshire Lichen Group, Mary Steer, talking about the importance of local lichen groups in generating churchyard records. Shropshire has 72 churches and cemeteries! Plenty to keep the group busy! #lichens

Next up, we have Janet Simkin, who manages the BLS database discussing “Churchyards - what do the lichen records tell us?” Churchyards have such a great variety of habitats and that is reflected in the lichens present. #lichens

Unfortunately, Harriet Carty cannot be here with us today for our AGM, but we have a fantastic pre-recorded presentation, from Caring for Gods Acre, talking about the importance of churchyards for wildlife and #lichens

The Ursula Duncan award is one of the highest awards that the BLS can give to an individual. Judith has been presented the 2025 UD award, thanks to her dedication to the Lichen Chat & Improvement Group, with 218 zoom sessions delivered from 2020 - 2025. #lichens

A fantastic finish to our first day of our AGM, with a dinner at the Crown and Mitre Hotel. The evening consisted by an inspiring talk by Dr. Nicholas Carter from Oxford University with an opportunity for our members to network and catch up!!! #lichens

What an honour to have Dr Nicholas Carter from the University of Oxford talking about “Our Living Stone - Lichens at Blenheim Palace”, sharing research on lichens as a bioprotective layer on rock #lichens

The British Lichen Society’s AGM 2026 is in full swing. After a day of productive meetings, we are now so lucky to have our keynote speaker, Dr. Nicholas Carter to share with us his work on the lichens of Blenheim Palace. Great turn out for this fascinating talk. #lichens

We have joined with local community & wildlife groups to protect one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. Concerns surround the threat posed by proposals for the Loch Kemp Pumped Hydro Scheme - one of 4 existing or proposed schemes for Loch Ness. crowdjustice.com/case/protect-t…

“Lichens of Britain & Ireland” by Rebecca Yahr and Frances Stoakley is finally available for purchase. This has been a much needed ID guide for beginners to intermediates and the publication is finally here!! bloomsbury.com/uk/lichens-of-… #bloomsbury #lichens

The British Lichen Society photo competition is open to all. The themes this year are ‘Under the microscope’ and ‘The bigger picture’. Find the full details at the bottom of our AGM Weekend page. Judging will take place by popular vote during this event. britishlichensociety.org.uk/the-society/ev…

Booking is now open for the British #Lichen Society AGM weekend in Carlisle 30th Jan - 1st Feb 2026. britishlichensociety.org.uk/the-society/ev… Even if you're not a member, why not come along to meet us, to hear talks about lichens, and to take part in our Sunday field trip at Carlisle Cemetery.

First meeting for the Pembrokeshire #Lichen Group was held on the 23rd November with an incredible attendance of 35 people at Scolton Manor Park. If you would like to get involved, please contact Jon Hudson: britishlichensociety.org.uk/get-touch/loca…

Make sure you tune into BBC #Countryfile on Sunday 14th December to catch lichenologist, David Hill talk about the wonderful diversity of lichens that inhabit this pre-historic movement. More information here: bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00… #lichens

An opportunity of a lifetime for budding lichenologists. The @nationaltrust and the @RBGE_Science are offering a PAID lichen traineeship in #Scotland! The work programme looks fascinating and a great opportunity to develop skills. Deadline: 3/10/2025. asva.co.uk/jobs/trainee-l…

BLS will welcome applications from members for travel grants to attend IAL10 Trieste, Italy next summer. The full details of the application process and closing date for applications are on the website. britishlichensociety.org.uk/the-society/me….