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Lichen Biomonitoring

Another critical pillar is scientific research and monitoring. Kew’s mycology and lichenology teams—often in collaboration with universities and citizen scientists—conduct surveys to document lichen diversity, track environmental change, and identify threatened species. Recent attention to crustose lichens in the Rock Garden has revealed unexpectedly high species richness, demonstrating that carefully curated horticultural environments can serve as valuable conservation refuges. These discoveries shape future planning, encouraging the creation of more stone-based microhabitats and moisture gradients that support lichen colonization.

Climate change adds urgency to lichen conservation. Many lichens are sensitive to shifts in humidity, temperature, and pollution. By monitoring lichen communities over time, Kew contributes to understanding how global changes affect biodiversity. This, in turn, informs conservation strategies beyond the garden walls, helping guide policy and restoration efforts across the UK.

Potential Research

Air Quality Monitoring Using Indicator Species
Establishing baseline and long-term monitoring of pollution-sensitive and tolerant lichen species across Kew.
Historical Baseline Reconstruction
Using herbarium specimens and past surveys to reconstruct pre- and post-industrial lichen conditions.
Multi-Pollutant Response Assessment
Evaluating lichen responses to combined effects of NOx, ozone, particulate matter, and heavy metals.
Urban Gradient Studies
Comparing lichen communities within Kew to surrounding urban and suburban environments in Greater London.
Climate–Pollution Interactions
Investigating how changing climate variables modify lichen sensitivity to air pollutants.
Elemental and Isotopic Analysis
Using lichen tissues to trace sources of atmospheric deposition and pollutant pathways.
Passive vs Active Biomonitoring
Testing transplanted lichens against naturally occurring communities to assess spatial and temporal variation.
Tree Species and Substrate Effects
Examining how bark chemistry and substrate influence biomonitoring reliability.
Early-Warning Indicators
Identifying species and community metrics that signal emerging environmental stress.
Health of Historic Landscapes
Integrating biomonitoring results into garden management and conservation planning.
Standardised Monitoring Protocols
Developing reproducible, Kew-specific protocols applicable to other urban green spaces.
Public-Facing Biomonitoring
Translating biomonitoring results into visual tools and narratives for education and outreach.

Indicator Species

At Kew, indicator lichen species reflect air quality, moisture, and habitat continuity. Nitrophilous taxa signal nutrient enrichment from urban influences and birds, while sensitive epiphytic species indicate cleaner air and stable microclimates. Together, these lichens provide valuable, living indicators of environmental change across the garden.

Resistant Species

Resistant lichen species at Kew tolerate urban conditions, moderate pollution, and disturbance. Common on bark, stone, and built surfaces, taxa such as Lecanora, Physcia, and Phaeophyscia persist where sensitive species disappear, providing a reliable baseline for long-term biomonitoring across the garden.

Nitrophilous Species

Nitrophilous lichen species at Kew thrive in nitrogen-enriched environments influenced by urban activity, bird droppings, and local nutrient inputs. Common on trees, statues, walls, and roofs, genera such as Xanthoria and Caloplaca s.l., act as clear indicators of nitrogen deposition and environmental enrichment.

Pioneer / Colonising Cpecies

Pioneer or colonising lichen species at Kew are among the first to establish on new or disturbed surfaces such as fresh stone, brick, and young bark. Fast-growing and highly adaptable, genera like Candelariella, Amandinea, Lecidea, and Lecanora initiate succession and provide early indicators of surface change within the garden.

Substrate-Specific Species

Substrate-specific lichen species at Kew are restricted to particular surfaces such as bark, stone, soil, or metal. Their distribution reflects substrate chemistry, texture, and moisture conditions. Corticolous taxa like Graphis, saxicolous species such as Verrucaria, and terricolous Cladonia illustrate strong substrate control on lichen diversity across the garden.

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