Sunburst lichen on a branch

Learning Lichens: a walk in the park

Join us for a leisurely walk in Kensington Gardens this Spring, exploring the fascinating world of lichens.

Key information

15 & 29th March, 11am & 2:30pm each day

Free

Kensington Gardens

Nature

Wellbeing

Saturday 15 and Saturday 29 March, 11am and 2:30pm

Step out with Aspen Ecology and the Help Nature Thrive team from The Royal Parks, as we explore the fascinating and beautiful world of lichens in Kensington Gardens.

Discover why lichens are returning to the centre of London after decades of absence, understand their vital importance for the ecology and wildlife of the park, and learn how to identify common species.

We will be recording the lichens we find, so join us as citizen scientists to collect valuable data which will help us understand urban lichen biodiversity and monitor any changes.

You will see lichens in a whole new light, and a walk through the park will never be quite the same again!

 

Red soldier lichen fruiting
© The Royal Parks, Photographer Max Mudie
Red soldier lichen in fruit

Your guides:

Dr Anthony Speca is a field lichenologist, educator and active lichen recorder for the British Lichen Society.  Lichens are everywhere, and Anthony is passionate about helping people enjoy the strange beauty and ecological importance of their ‘local lichens'.

Gemma Hindi is one of Help Nature Thrive's engagement officers at The Royal Parks, helping people reconnect with our heritage and ecology through encounters with wild plants and fungi.

Image of people looking at plant samples through a magnifying device. Situated in an outdoor setting.
Dates & Times

Date

Time

Park

Location

Map

Book

Saturday 15 March 2025

11am

 

Two Bears Drinking Fountain (next to the Italian Gardens Cafe)

 

Register

2:30pm

Kensington Gardens

Map

Register

Saturday 29 March 2025

11am

 

 

Register

2:30pm

 

 

Register

Help Nature Thrive delivers exciting habitat creation, enhancement and restoration projects as well as visitor events and citizen science projects across The Royal Parks. Take a peek at our website for other events and ways to get involved.  Help Nature Thrive is possible thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Please note that photography may be taken during this event. If you do not wish to be included in photos, let a member of staff know on the day. See our Privacy Policy for more details.