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Two rare and little-known lichens have been discovered in Cumbria’s Naddle Forest by local volunteers, giving conservation efforts in the area a major boost.
The species – Dendrographa latebrarum and Lecanographa abscondita – were found by members of the Cumbria Lichen and Bryophyte Group during a field survey. They were growing on a damp, sheltered rock face in the old woodland.
Naddle Forest is one of the UK’s few remaining temperate rainforests – a rare and globally threatened habitat.
“It’s very exciting to find these species in Naddle,” said Chris Cant, a group representative. “They’re easily missed, but they’re part of the complex habitat that defines ancient woodlands.”
Lichens are common in rainforest environments, especially in regions like Cumbria. Though often mistaken for fungi, they’re actually a partnership between a fungus and algae or cyanobacteria that work together to survive.
The find strengthens Naddle’s ecological value and supports its conservation status. It forms part of the #SpeciesSurvivalFund Rainforest Restoration Project, supported by the UK Government and led by the Woodland Trust in partnership with Plantlife, Cumbria Woodlands, Cumbria Connect, and Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
“This discovery, although small, is hugely significant,” said Bill Kenmir, conservation manager at Cumbria Connect. “It shows Naddle is a real temperate rainforest, with the clean air, constant humidity and ancient woodland conditions needed for these rare lichens to survive. Protecting this habitat is more important than ever.”
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