Friends Of Landport Bottom

This is the rare golden-eye lichen Teleoschistes chrysophthalmus, which has been found at Landport Bottom. (Photo: Zoe Watson 20/2/2016). It grows on twigs of trees such as hawthorn, alongside the much commoner yellow lichen. This lichen seems to be recolonising the south coast of England after being extinct for over a century. The photo is much magnified - you have to look closely to see the spines with the naked eye. You can find out more here http://wessexlichengroup.org/conservation_ecology/page47/