Indices of Ecological Continuity
Thanks to Dave Genney at SNH the 2002 publication "Indices of Ecological Continuity for Woodland Epiphytic Lichen Habitats" by Sandy and Brian Coppins, is now available as a PDF online.
Brian recently posted the following comments on the Scottish Lichenology mailing list:
"This is essentially a tool to help in deciding how to evaluate the lichen interest in woodlands in the British Isles. It is based on the work that Francis Rose initiated back in the 1970s, and developed through analysis of data gathered over the succeeding years by all who went out and looked and recorded lichens. Of course, lichens are enigmatic organisms, and always refuse to sit comfortably into any preconceived idea of human order. So, the idea that some woodlands have retained some semblance of ancientness, or ecological continuity over the centuries, and will therefore have within them the 'special' lichens that are only present in 'ancient woodlands', does work, up to a point. Come the advent of industrialisation in Britain, the atmospheric pollution from sulphur-dioxide, and lichens in ancient woodlands which came under the influence of 'air pollution' quietly disappeared, even though the woodlands were undoubtedly wonderful examples of ancient parklands or woods. Nevertheless, in the non-polluted parts of the British Isles, these lichen indices do work surprisingly well. Developing on Francis Rose's original ideas, regional lichen indices have been developed, as obviously, what occurs in the lush Atlantic woodlands of western Scotland differ markedly from what occurs in the drier climatic conditions of SE England.
The 'Indices' book was produced in 2002, and recent recording throughout Britain has provided new information, and a need to update the 'Lichen Indices' is now on the cards - but, don't expect anything immediately!! At least 2 years from now, you may see a revision of Coppins & Coppins 2002. Until that time, the existing book is a valuable and useful guide in enabling assessment of lichen interest in British woodlands."