In September 2024 three researchers from Iceland, Colombia and Spain visited Findhorn, accompanied by biologist Dr Nathan Chrismas from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh. Duneland and FHT Chairs, Eian Smith and Jonathan Caddy, met the group to introduce the work of Duneland and of the Findhorn Hinterland Trust and Heather Paul showed the visitors around.

Many of the Peltigera lichens that can be found around Findhorn also grow in the tundra-like habitats of northern Iceland. The project is focussing on discovering how the communities of bacteria associated with these lichens differ in temperate and sub-arctic habitats, and whether these lichen communities can be used as indicators of environmental change.
A number of Peltigera species were collected for further study.

Here they are collecting Peltigera rufescens which grows well at the north west edge of the dancing green. The lichens are being carefully cleaned before being stored in paper packets.

Collection of Peltigera hymenina from Findhorn Hinterland Trust

We hope to hear the results of the research which was taking place on a number of UK sites. The first stages of analysis have now begun, but it may take some time before the final results are ready.

Heather Paul
Local Lichen Enthusiast