4. Lichens
Lichens are a very unusual group of plants, each species consisting of an algae living symbiotically with a fungus. Most lichens make inconspicuous growths flattened onto rocks and tree bark, and are consequentially ignored by most people. However, they are a ubiquitous group and completely blanket all but the most recently cut stone.
The coastal limestone rocks of Portland have a nationally important population of lichens, with the species found varying with rock type and aspect. Trees and shrubs also support many species, especially on cliff-tops and undercliffs where the lack of air pollution encourages lichen growth.
The following tables summarise the species currently found on cliffs and quarries on Portland, any of which are likely to to colonize Independent Quarry in time.
click here to view the list of Lichens of grassy slopes and bunds in a new window
click here to view the list of Lichens of wet areas in a new window
click here to view the list of Lichens of tree bark in a new window
click here to view the list of Lichens of chert and other acid rocks in a new window
click here to view the list of Lichens of limestone rocks in a new window
References for Section 4.
1. Bowen, H. (2000) The Flora of Dorset, Pisces Publications
3. Dorset Environmental Records Centre web site, http://www.derc.org.uk
6. Bowen, H. (1995) A brief note on the botany of Portland, in Portland Bird Observatory and Field Centre Report for 1995