The DPA were delighted to host the South West Lichen Group for a field meeting on our land holding at Sharpitor. They visited on the 26th of June and were accompanied by our Ecological Consultant, Albert Knott, and Moorland Guide Geri Skeens, who organised the event. The aim was to locate and identify species that make up the rich lichen assemblage known to be present on this collapsed summit tor, with Geri guiding the group safely across the clitter and boulder field. Often overlooked, lichens play a vital role in creating soils, supporting insects, and telling us how healthy our environment really is. Lichens are incredibly sensitive to changes in air quality and climate, making them powerful indicators of environmental health.
A survey in 2025 at Sharpitor revealed an unexpectedly rich and important community of lichens living on the granite rocks and we are grateful to have the South West Lichen Group confirm this for us again in 2026. Last year, lichenologists recorded 67 lichen species and 10 lichen-dwelling fungi in just one day, with the mix of rare and threatened species at Sharpitor meaning the site meets the scientific threshold to be considered of national importance for nature. For their visit, the South West Lichen Group focused on three locations and identified 29 different species, with this small snapshot highlighting the diversity to be found across the whole site. As part of our refreshed Land Management plan, we are keen to maintain up to date records of the species we have on site, so that we can support them in continuing to thrive.
A spokesperson from the SW Lichen Group said: ‘The site offered an array of saxicolous lichens on a collapsed granite tor. We found some old familiars, and each learned some new ones, under Fred’s thoughtful tutelage. Pictured below are a fertile example of Parmelia omphalodes, and Fuscidea kochiana. Added bonuses included the very acceptable 21 degree weather (a welcome relief from the higher temperatures elsewhere in Devon), the spectacular views from the site, excellent company, and the ice cream van that was still in the car park at the end of the day.’
The South West Lichen Group has its foundations in Devon (previously as the Devon Lichen Group) and aims to promote the study and conservation of lichens across the South-West. The Devon Lichen Group was established by Barbara Benfield in the 1990s and then after a short hiatus, was continued by April Windle and Nathan Chrismas. After another short break, and a wave of new lichen interest in Devon, it is now re-forming with Fred Gibson and Lindsay Mahon as coordinators. The group arranges arrange field meetings throughout the year, which are open to anyone, from complete beginners through to experts. They are always keen to hear from anyone in Devon or neighbouring counties who would like to join them.
Full List of Species Identified
SX 559 703
- Rhizocarpon geographicum
- Parmelia omphalodes
- Acarospora fuscata
- Cladonia subcervicornis
- Xanthoparmelia loxodes
- Pertusaria coccodes
- Parmelia saxatilis
- Fuscidea cyathoides
- Hypogymnia physodes
- Varicellaria lactea
- Buellia aethalia
- Rhizocarpon reductum
- Cladonia furcata
- Cladonia coniocraea
- Sphaerophorus globosus
- Pertusaria pseudocorollina
- Cladonia uncialis
SX 559 703
- Lepraria incana
- Fuscidia cyathoides
- Acaraspora fuscata
- Cladonia rangiformis
- Cladonia subcervicornis
- Pertusaria corallina
SX 559 703
- Porpidia tuberculosa
- Fuscidea cyathoides
- Cladonia polydactyla
- Cladonia portentosa
- Cladonia diversa
- Fuscidea kochiana
- Stereocaulon vesuvianum
- Xanthoparmelia conspersa
- Sphaerophorus fragilis
Images: Fred Gibson