Lichens under the microscope
Saturday, 17 May, 10:00–15:00
Crowfield Village Hall
Free workshop sponsored by the Anglian Microscopy Group and the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society
Lichens are neglected biodiversity. Despite their ecological significance, dazzling variety and strange beauty, they’re easily overlooked. But these tiny creatures contain secrets! And microscopes can help to reveal them.
Anyone can learn how to appreciate lichens using microscopes. Seeing a lichen under a stereomicroscope for the first time is like descending to the surface of a new planet. And examining lichen sections at high magnification puts the lichen symbiosis on show: a partnership between completely different organisms that’s unique on Earth.
This one-day workshop will introduce participants to lichens and lichen microscopy. After an overview of these compelling life-forms, we’ll go outside to collect samples, which we’ll then prepare for examination. No familiarity with lichens is presumed. Experience with microscopes will be helpful, but the Anglian Microscopy Group warmly welcomes beginners!
Participants should bring hand-lenses, as well as stereomicroscopes and compound microscopes if possible. Some microscopes will be available to borrow, and other materials and equipment will be provided.
Join us for a close-up look at the fascinating world of lichens. You’ll never see them in the same way again!
- 10.00 – 11.00: Introduction to lichens
- 11.00 – 12.00: Collecting lichens (please also feel free to bring any lichens you’d like to examine)
- 12.00 – 12.45: Lunch (please bring a packed lunch)
- 12.45 – 13.00: Equipment set-up
- 13.00 – 15.00: Lichen microscopy
About the tutor
Dr Anthony Speca is a field lichenologist and educator based in northeast Suffolk. Through Aspen Ecology, he offers lichen surveying, consultancy, training and education. He’s also an active lichen recorder and lichen tutor with the British Lichen Society and the Field Studies Council, as well as a member of the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society. Anthony was first inspired by lichens when he inadvertently focused his macro-lens on a gravestone alive with them, instead of on the nearby wildflower he’d meant to photograph!
Register your interest
Places are limited, so please contact the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society at enquiries@sns.org.uk as early as possible to reserve your place.
© Frances Browne
Walk and recording event
Saturday, 10 May, 10:30 am onwards
Raydon Wood, nr Hadleigh, by kind permission of James Buckle
Raydon Wood is a 217 acre ancient woodland straddling both sides of the Hadleigh Railway Walk. It was acquired by James Buckle in 1999 when much of the wood was planted with conifers and non-native trees. Since then, this private nature reserve has been restored to a broadleaved working wood without planting a single tree, rides have been reinstated and 20 of the 30+ ponds have been restored.
Various surveys have been undertaken indicating that it is possibly the best wood in Suffolk for moths, has a large number of rare pond beetles, hosts an amazing list of ancient woodland plants, reptiles, bats and butterflies and, in spring, the joyful sound of breeding nightingales and the call of the cuckoo.
James is keen for naturalists to enjoy the wood and receive records from all taxonomic groups, so do come along, enjoy the nightingale, and record, potter, or picnic after the walk. Several county recorders will be present, so feel free to join a small recording group of your choosing.
10.15 for 10.30 am: Meet and park in Raydon Wood (directions below)
10.30 am: Intro talk from Graham Sayell, woodland manager, and Juliet Hawkins, conservation adviser since 1999
10.50 am: Walk with short talks at sites around the wood
11.45 am: Please feel free to record, potter or picnic – and find your way back to your car when you are ready.
4.00 pm: Meet up at cars for anyone who wishes to discuss findings
- Directions: The route into Raydon Wood is via a gated concrete track from Woodland Road at TM 05786 39913 or What3 Words magic.paradise.greyhound which will be signed
- Indoor/WC facilities: None!
- Poor weather: If rain stops potential recording, we will still go ahead with the talk and walk
- What to bring: Coffee flasks, a picnic, and allergy medication. Bring your own recording kit; SNS will bring some hand lenses for guests to borrow.
- Potential hazards and accessibility: As with all outdoor events, we warn you that there will be stinging insects and uneven/wet ground. However, there are also plenty of very accessible old airfield concrete tracks around the southern part of the wood. Please bring your own allergy medication, personal first aid kit (we will be separated into small groups), and mobile phone, especially if you intend to walk alone.
- Emergency services – car park area within wood: TM 05343 40264 or What3Words showrooms.dries.reviews
We hope this has piqued your interest – it really is the most glorious woodland!
We will set up a moth trap the night before the meeting – Friday, 9 May, 8 pm. Members are welcome to come along and participate. Places are limited, so please call Joan Hardingham on 07848 007807 as early as possible to reserve your spot.
November Members’ Meeting – Report and photos
Members attended at 7:00 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. start and were invited to bring a friend. Complimentary tea/coffee and biscuits were served, and alcoholic beverages and soft drinks were available to purchase. Over 40 people attended on a cold but dry evening, unlike last year’s wet weather. It provided an excellent opportunity for networking and catching up with old friends and colleagues. The Chair asked members if anyone would find Saturday afternoons for winter meetings inconvenient; only three raised their hands.
The talks provided a snapshot of the vast range and infinite variety that natural history studies can offer at all levels of experience. They also highlighted the importance of these studies in monitoring the state of nature and how it is adapting to human pressures and climate change. The equipment demonstrations complemented this, showing how technology can enhance this process.
Roger Horton’s talk Encounters with the Flora of Icklingham Triangle and Beyond showed the importance and botanical interest to be found in a tiny area. Worth visiting when travelling between Bury St Edmunds and Mildenhall but largely ignored by speeding traffic, is a little triangle of calcareous grassland and verges along two of its sides can reveal the enormous variation in leguminous plant species. The sandy arable field on the third side and its neighbours can be of equal botanical interest. Roger explained the site was one of several SSSIs in the area. He introduced several flowering plants worthy of note, including examples of variation in the colour of Medicago sativa subspp., nine Solanaceae species and the tiny Dianthus deltoides (Maiden Pink).
Anthony Speca’s entertaining talk was entitled First Steps on the Path to Enlichenment. A brief introduction to the curious beauty and ecological significance of lichens, including some common Suffolk species, and a warning against losing sight of this vital but neglected part of Suffolk biodiversity. He described the three groups of Lichens and their ongoing struggle against various types of pollution – (though one species was able to survive months on the outside surface of the space station!). There are 2000 taxa in the UK, of which 775 have been recorded in Suffolk, and over 40 are red-listed. Records are often over 15 years old, and it’s essential to keep these up-to-date for planning purposes. Members asked how they can be identified for recording purposes: photos are of limited value but can at least identify the specimen to one of three broad groups: crustose (flat), foliose (leafy) and fruticose (shrubby). Those associated with rocks are uncommon and, in the absence of such geological features in Suffolk, are limited to walls and graveyards. Anthony runs Lichen workshops, the details of which are on his website (aspenecology.com), and hopes to arrange some for SNS members.
Ross Piper (County Beetle Recorder) showed the dexterity needed in Card Mounting of Specimens (and other curation techniques). Most insect species in the UK can only be reliably identified by looking at them through a microscope. This means they must be prepared in some way, either by pinning or glueing to tiny cards. This is not a difficult skill to master and would allow you to study insects and contribute to what is known about the species we have in Suffolk and how they live. Ross brought beetles preserved in ethanol (the merits of various preservatives were covered), and Members could have a go themselves. The demonstration was very popular and continued into the refreshment break.
Colin Hawes gave a talk on Tapping into Primary Schools. He visited primary schools in June and July to encourage the conservation of the European Stag Beetle. Colin showed the PowerPoint presentation he gives in schools and how he engages the children and encourages the adults to put beetle logs in their school grounds. He also had his live specimens of the larvae and their earthen pupal cases, mounted male and female beetles and confusion species, including the Lesser Stag Beetle.
Neil Sherman (County Moth Recorder) gave an update with wonderful images on the state of moth recording in the county. Latest Moth news from 2024 covered interesting discoveries from the year, including new County records and the behaviour of a select few species. It was not a great year for moths owing to the wet weather. The sometimes arbitrary difference between ‘micro’ and ‘macro’ moths was explained. The Suffolk Moth Group have an excellent and constantly updated website: www.suffolkmoths.co.uk (funded by SNS) and they will be holding general meetings for non-experts to learn about moths next year.
In addition to the talks, Gordon Brown from Anglian Microscopy (www.quekett.org/about/groups/anglian) was on hand to demonstrate the use of various microscopes and promote the monthly meeting held at Crowfield near Coddenham, where people can extend their microscopy skills and The One Stop Nature Shop (www.onestopnature.co.uk) based in North Norfolk offered a range of microscopes, magnifiers, trail cameras, and thermal imaging equipment. Members could try the latest models and get expert advice on how this equipment can become a great tool for naturalists and wildlife watchers. It is hoped they found the event worthwhile and we look forward to their return.
Members and guests took advantage of the free and second-hand books and equipment on offer.
SNS would like to thank all who attended, especially those who gave their time to provide talks and demonstrations. Extracts from these talks will appear on the SNS website and Facebook page to show people what they missed! Those inspired to begin or extend their studies in any area of
natural history are encouraged to contact SNS at enquiries@sns.org.uk or the County Recorders directly.
November Members’ Meeting
Thursday 28 November, 7pm onwards
Alder Carr Farm, Creeting St. Mary, near Needham Market, IP6 8LX
Bring a friend!
An opportunity to meet up with other members.
7pm – Chat and Refreshments: complimentary tea/coffee & biscuits
(Alcoholic beverages – beer/wine/soft drinks are available to purchase).
7.30pm – 5 illustrated talks
- 7:30-7.50 – Colin Hawes Tapping into Primary Schools. Visiting Primary Schools during June and July to encourage the conservation of the European Stag Beetle. A PowerPoint presentation plus live specimens of male and female Beetles and their larvae.
- 7:50-8:10 – Roger Horton Encounters with the Flora of Icklingham Triangle and Beyond. Worth visiting when travelling between Bury St Edmunds and Mildenhall but largely ignored by speeding traffic a tiny triangle of calcareous grassland and verges along two of its sides can reveal the enormous variation in a leguminous plant species. The sandy arable field on the third side and its neighbours can be of equal botanical interest.
- 8:10-8:30 – Ross Piper Card Mounting of Specimens (+other specimen curation techniques). Most of the insect species we have here in the UK can only be reliably identified by looking at them through a microscope. This means they need to be prepared in some way, either pinning or mounted on tiny cards. This is not a difficult skill to master and would allow you to get into studying insects and contribute to what is known about the species we have in Suffolk and how they live. This will be a hands-on activity with Ross Piper showing you the basics. Microscopes and all equipment will be available.
- 8:30-9:00 – Break for refreshments
- 9:00-9:20 – Anthony Speca First steps on the path to enlichenment. A brief introduction to the curious beauty and ecological significance of lichens, including some common Suffolk species, and a warning against losing sight of this vital but neglected part of Suffolk biodiversity.
- 9:20-9:40 – Neil Sherman Latest Moth news from 2024. Covering a few interesting discoveries from the year including new County records and behaviour of a select few species. I also aim to give a brief update on what sort of year it was for moths (not a great one).
- 9:40-10:00 – Discussion
Also:
- “Show and Tell” nature table
- Natural history books – bring and buy, lend out or give away.
- Natural history – equipment for sale or to share
“The One Stop Nature Shop is delighted to offer a range of microscopes, magnifiers, trail cameras, and thermal imaging equipment. Try the latest models and get expert advice on how this equipment can become a great tool for naturalists and wildlife watchers. We will be on hand throughout the evening with any questions you may have.”
Directions:
what3words: farm.renders.influence: https://w3w.co/farm.renders.influence
OSGR: TM091552
From A14: at A140 junction take signs to Needham Market, take 2nd exit right onto Flordon Road; take 1st left and 1st left again (St. Mary’s Rd).
From Needham Market High St.: take sign to The Creetings (Hawks Mill St).
Public transport: 10 mins walk from Needham Market train station and a bus route stopping on the High Street.
Joan Hardingham 07848 007807 or enquiries@sns.org.uk
Further information about talks to follow soon!
Westleton Members’ Meeting – Photo gallery
SNS Members’ Meeting – Exploring Westleton Common
21 September 2024
Westleton Village Hall, IP17 3AD 1.30pm – 6pm
Programme – timings are approximate!
After refreshments and a look at the exhibits there will be two talks, and then we go outside for two activities. Invertebrate surveying and identification on the common and Suffolk geology at Westleton pit. The SNS gazebo will be at the common as a base to examine what has been found and for the swap over between the activities. These will be interactive sessions with guidance on techniques and identification. If you have collecting equipment please bring it along.
1.30 Doors open
Refreshments, bookstall, exhibits including: Hawk Honey, hymenoptera; Joan Hardingham, woodlice; Gavin Deans, compost critters under the microscope.
2.20 Talks
Simon Jackson (Ipswich Museum) – “the Maidenhall Mammoth” discovered in Ipswich in 1975.
John Bebbington (Westleton Parish Council) – Introduction to the history and management of the common.
2.55 Introduction to the outdoor activities.
3.15 To the common a 5-10min walk up Bakers Lane or, if driving, parking is available off the lane to the left where the SNS gazebo will be located.
3.25 Activities
Either How to survey for invertebrates and basic identification with Peter Vincent and Ross Piper.
Or Geology of East Suffolk with reference to Westleton Pit with Howard Mottram.
4.20 Return to the gazebo to swap over activities (if you wish).
5.10 Return to hall for refreshments and exhibits.
6.00 Finish
Directions: What Three Words ///snips.hatter.airbrush.
North of Yoxford, off the A12 take signs to Dunwich. Turning left in the village the hall is on the left.
Parking: The car park outside the hall is limited to 6 cars plus disabled parking. There is plenty of parking on the roads either side of the Hall. Please do not park opposite the hall car park entrance.
Contacts: For information please email enquiries@sns.org.uk, if you provide your email we can send updates.
On the day – Joan Hardingham: 07848 007807
Invertebrate Recording meeting – Sat 20 July 2024
10am – 4pm Buns and soft drinks provided
Halesworth Millennium Green invertebrate survey. Situated in the centre of Halesworth, the Millennium Green is celebrating 25 years in public ownership and to mark this occasion they are keen to update their invertebrate records for the site.
This mixed habitat comprises grassland, ponds, dykes, rivers and fens, mature trees and a smaller heathy area. SNS recorders and other specialists should find much to interest them here.
Visit the Millennium Green website
To express an interest in attending, or for further information, contact Nicky Rowbottom
Spring Members’ Evening and AGM – Wed 24 April 2024
7pm – 10pm
Venue: John Peel Centre, Church Walk, Stowmarket IP14 1ET w3w sing.sheds.spurring
There are 3 car parks with the same entrance off Gipping Way: Union Street; w3w baseballs.during.lawyer
and another at Asda, off Tavern Street B1115. Free tea/coffee and a pay bar.
7.00 pm – informal chat
7.30 pm – start of AGM business
8.00 pm – refreshment break followed by a series of short illustrated talks by members plus “Show and tell”: Please bring any items of natural history interest to share.
9.00 pm – bar closes
If you would like to give a talk please contact Martin Sanford (martin.sanford@suffolk.gov.uk). You may also like to bring specimens, books (or anything else of interest to naturalists) along for display.