We recently hosted a volunteer event at Whitelee forest, just south of East Kilbride. This event was attended by volunteers from SRUC, ORCS (Oatridge Conservation Volunteers) and lichenologist John Douglass.

Our staff are currently working with John to conduct surveys of some of the nationally significant lichen habitats within the Whitelee forest block.

The day-long event involved practical lichen habitat management with a focus on clearing Sitka spruce regeneration from some of the more sensitive sites at Whitelee. Lichenologist, John Douglass, delivered lichen classification and identification training to volunteers along the way. 

Volunteers learning about managing Sitka spruce in open habitats.

The boulder fields at Whitelee, which host over 1,000 boulders of various sizes, were first surveyed in 2005. 

John, who conducted the initial survey almost 20 years ago, is now following up to monitor the changes in the habitat, record fluctuations in the species and to advise us on how we can look after the site going forward in a way that continues to benefit the lichen and bryophyte communities.

Close up of oak trunk in photo above supporting a luxuriant lichen flora. Photo taken by John Douglass.

Some of the rare species found at Whitelee

Below are photos taken by John Douglass for the latest lichen survey at Whitelee.

Hypotrachyna laevigata fallen from oak in photos above, a new species record for Whitelee.

Umbilicaria polyphylla ‘Rock tripe’ found in the boulder fields.

The Scarlet Caterpillar Club Fungi, Cordyceps militaris found on the boulder fields.

Pixie cup Cladonia species at Whitelee. 

• Conservation management helps rare lichen in Culbin
• Inside the Complex World of Lichen
• Whitelee forest