Photo of snowy Sussex woodland trail Photo of snowy Sussex woodland trail

Usnea Lichens and Moss Patterns

Just back from a family camper-vanning trip to the New Forest and Dartmoor.

In Dartmoor I returned to an old favourite, Wistman’s Wood, where the trees, lichens and mosses offer a visual feast.

The stunted oaks of the wood are decked with ‘usnea’ lichens – always a beautiful and welcome indicator of fresh air.

In such a treasured area of wilderness, these moss patterns will be less welcomed by most:

There are better ways of making art with moss and lichens, by encouraging them to grow in some places more than others. This is art by creating rather than destroying.

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