Learning Lichens: a walk in the park

Step out with Aspen Ecology, and the Help Nature Thrive team from The Royal Parks, as we explore the fascinating and beautiful world of lichens in Kensington Gardens.

Discover why lichens are returning to the centre of London after decades of absence, understand their vital importance for the ecology and wildlife of the park, and learn how to identify common species.

We will be recording the lichens we find, so join us as citizen scientists to collect valuable data which will help us understand urban lichen biodiversity and monitor any changes.

You will see lichens in a whole new light, and a walk through the park will never be quite the same again!

Your guides:

Dr Anthony Speca is a field lichenologist, educator and active lichen recorder for the British Lichen Society. Lichens are everywhere, and Anthony is passionate about helping people enjoy the strange beauty and ecological importance of their ‘local lichens'.

Gemma Hindi is one of Help Nature Thrive's engagement officers at The Royal Parks, helping people reconnect with our heritage and ecology through encounters with wild plants and fungi. The Help Nature Thrive project is possible thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

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