Lichens at Dungeness

LAUNDON, J. R., 1989. Lichens at Dungeness . The lichen vegetation at Dungeness is reviewed. The most important lichen communities are of three types. Firstly, there are the crustose lichens which colonize the bare pebbles. Secondly, the tracts of rich Cladonia turf which form the lichen heath and which play a major role in the vegetation cycle. Thirdly, there are the epiphytes on Prunus scrub. In addition, lichens on artificial substrates, especially wooden fences, are noteworthy. About 150 species occur, amongst the most interesting being Cladonia mitis, Lecanora helicopis, Lecidea insidiosa, Parmelia soredians, Rinodina aspersa and Umea glabrata. A new combination is made in the genus Porpidia. The term 'bird farming' is published. The fragmentation of the vegetation by building and gravel extraction receives critical comment.