Lichen used to study air quality

Two scientists from the south-west of England have devised a new way to study air quality using lichen, it has been reported.

Natural historians and lichenologists Dr Barbara Hilton and Dr Ann Allen from Barnstaple, Devon, have discovered that lichen found on trees differs depending on the quality of the air in the region, the BBC revealed.

A nationwide study, the Open Air Laboatories (OPAL) Air Survey, was launched last year and the pair are encouraging local people to continue recording the different types of lichen growing in their area.

Dr Allen told the news provider that identifying the spread of different lichens and building up an understanding about the conditions each requires could help scientists in their climate change research.

Earlier this month, the initiative started offering free resource packs for teachers to help them teach students about biological classification.

OPAL is also launching a number of new surveys later this year, including a water study to find out about the state of the country's ponds and lakes and a biodiversity survey.

Posted by Lauren Steadman