Liking the Lichen

Lichens (symbiotic fusions between fungi and cyanobacteria and/or algae) are especially found on trees and have long been used as monitors of air pollution. The National Trust is being applauded for attempting to 'rescue' a rare English lichen, Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria) marooned on a fallen Oak in Borrowdale (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/20/national-trust-rescue-rare-english-lichen-lungwort). The lichen shown is a relative, rather than the real thing. The Lungwort is being transplanted from the Oak to about 6 healthy trees in this area of the Lake District. This is a sensible thing to do but it is, afterall, only low intensity gardening.