New Forest beech-lichen
13 September 2010
This crust-forming lichen is critically endangered. The lichen reproduces by spores which are produced in the dark, sinuous structures visible on the surface. It is a specialised species found on ancient smooth-barked tree species (e.g. Beech) where it is confined to shaded, wet or wounded areas. It shows a preference for leaning, twisted or damaged trees which reflects a requirement for a complex tree architecture producing wound and rain tracks.
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New Forest beech-lichen © Neil Sanderson
Latin name: Enterographa elaborata
Population numbers:
Recorded only three times in the 19th century, it was rediscovered in 1993 and subsequently 2006/7 in the New Forest.
Where to see and when:
Apart from the New Forest it is recorded from coastal, western Europe, Macaronesia, humid Mediterranean coasts and Black Sea coasts. It is rare throughout its known range. Lichens can be searched for all year round.
What’s being done:
Natural England employed an expert lichenologist to resurvey known sites and search for new sites. Fourteen areas within the New Forest were searched in detail. This proved very successful with 15 new beech trees supporting Enterographa elaborata found. The improved understanding of the species’ ecological requirements will help ensure appropriate management of existing and potential wood-pasture habitat. In addition, many other rare lichens and mosses were found which brought added value for money from this survey.
More information:
