LichenIreland
Mapping the Irish Flora ~ 2005-2008
This project is initially a four-year study to determine the status and distribution of lichen species throughout the island of Ireland. LichenIreland is supported by National Parks and Wildlife Service; National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin; Environment and Heritage Service and the Ulster Museum.
In order to raise the profile of the group, this project will:
- engage new and existing lichen recorders (training, where appropriate, will be given)
- collate the existing lichen data set on the Recorder database
- undertake field recording from sites and habitats throughout Ireland
Other possible publication formats will be discussed as the project evolves.
If you would like to participate in LichenIreland please click here
What are lichens?
Lichens are amongst the most commonplace, yet bizarre, creatures you are likely to come across.
The patchworks of colour you see on many weathered rocks and churchyard headstones; the ‘fluffy’ or ‘stringy’ growths adorning many tree trunks and branches; and the swathes of ‘reindeer moss’ spreading across bogs and sand dunes; all are various types of lichen.
Lichens are a uniquely successful partnership between two or three different organisms (a fungus in partnership with an alga and/or a cyanobacterium - blue/green alga). This partnership has allowed them to colonise habitats too hostile for almost any other organism.
