Lichens are a strange kind of organism and they are often overlooked. They represent a unique combination of two or more different organisms, an alga or cyanobacteria living among the filaments of a fungus. There are many species and they are not always the easiest thing to identify. They can be found in many places and on all sorts of substrates both natural and man-made, organic and inorganic. The variation in their colours and shapes is incredible. Generally speaking, they are indicators of good air quality. The photographs shown here give an indication of the variety of forms that can be found on the branches of fruit trees in Charlton Down Community Orchard which is located right next door to the Charlton Down Nature Area.
Useful Books and Links
https://britishlichensociety.org.uk/identification/twenty-common-lichens
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/04/what-is-lichen-seven-types-of-lichen-found-on-trees/
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Charlton Down Nature Area 
Wonderful photographs as usual 🥰 So Lichens are a positive thing to find on trees, rather than an indication that the tree is ailing in some way?
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As far as I know, yes. I think that lichens draw most of their nutrients from the photosynthetic ability of the algae or cyanobacteria which live symbiotically within the main fungal element of the lichen. It is just that they are more prolific on older branches of the tree because they have grown undisturbed for a longer time. The branch might or might not be sound underneath.
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That makes sense – thank you!
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I find it amazing that so many different species of lichen often grow on the same tree or branch. Your second and third photographs illustrate this beautifully.
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Thank you, Linda.
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