Lichens on twigs Wild ID Guide

The FSC Lichens on twigs guide will help you identify 60 of the commonest lichens found growing on trees and shrubs in Britain.

Step outside the door and look closely at the surfaces around you. Look out for almost circular painted patches on the pavement, on walls, on the bark of trees and on roofs. Lichens do not look like green plants. They also lack leaves. Many lichens have distinctive colours, from white, yellow and grey to green and brown. They are composite organisms, made up of fungus and one or more algae living together. For one thing, the algal partner produces essential nutrients through photosynthesis. At the same time, the fungal partner provides the body in which the algae live.