If you have ever noticed the “colourful blotches” on the rocks and trees around upper Swaledale you will have seen some of its lichens. These fascinating organisms are found on the trees and rocks and their true beauty can be revealed using a hand lens. The type of lichens present can reflect the rock type they are growing on and levels of air pollution.

Local residents and lichen experts Sue and Les Knight will lead a special guided walk to introduce you to some of the common lichens found in Upper Swaledale. We will start with an initial introduction in the Keld Resource Centre Conference room, where hand lenses will be provided. After initial familiarisation with some of the species we will then go outside to look at lichens in the area nearby. The speed of lichen walks is often described as “glacial”, to give everyone chance to see things, and is likely to be about a mile in total.

Meeting point: Keld Resource Centre - ///stretch.shredder.escapes