Lichen distribution charts

Have some lichens been found more frequently than others?

The following tables show how many nitrogen-sensitive, intermediate and nitrogen-loving lichens have been identified so far across the country. How do your results compare? What might this tell you about local air quality?

Compare lichens on twigs and trunks to see if your local air quality is improving

Lichens on trunks are a good indicator of past air quality. Lichens on the more recent bark of twigs are an indication of present air quality. By comparing the two, you can tell if air quality is improving or deteriorating.

For example, if you found more nitrogen-sensitive lichens on twigs than on trunks, it is likely that air quality is improving. If you identified more nitrogen-loving lichens on twigs than on trunks, then local air quality could well be deteriorating.

You will only see a comparison with your survey results if you submitted a survey as a registered user.