A PROFESSOR who found 10 species of lichen following an expedition to the Isle of Man last year is returning to the Island to talk about the discoveries.
Professor Mark Seaward of the British Lichen Society will be giving a lecture later this month entitled "Unsung heroes – The role of lichens in shaping our world".
He will speak about the importance of lichens in daily life and report on the discoveries made by his team of experts following their visit last March.
During the expedition, organised by Manx National Heritage and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, 10 species of lichen not previously known in the Island were found.
Lichens are a combination of two kinds of organisms – a fungus and either a type of alga or a blue-green alga. The fungi provide a protective structure for the algal component which in turn contributes food via photosynthesis.
They come in a variety of colours and grow on many kinds of surfaces including rocks, walls, tree bark and fence posts. They form crusts, leaf like extensions or shrubby growths.
Many lichens produce substances with anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and have traditionally been applied as wound dressings. One antibiotic produced by lichens, usnic acid, is active against MRSA.
Professor Seaward said: "I am delighted to be able to return to the Isle of Man to report on our findings. It was unexpected to find so many new species in such a small area. The clean, unpolluted air and wealth of unspoilt habitat makes the Island an important place for lichen conservation."
The lecture is being supported by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, Manx National Heritage and the Manx Wildlife Trust and has been arranged to coincide with the conclusion of a successful year of biodiversity events organised as part of the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity.
Duncan Bridges, director of the Manx Wildlife Trust, said: "This was an excellent initiative and encouraged everyone to celebrate the diversity of life on Earth. Many events were held both locally and globally to give people the chance to get involved in various nature conservation activities."
Professor Seaward's lecture will be held at the new Manx National Heritage iMuseum at Kingswood Grove in Douglas on Wednesday, January 19.
Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased from the Manx Museum or the Manx Wildlife Trust's shop at Tynwald Mills. All proceeds will go to the Manx Wildlife Trust.
Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. The lecture will be followed by refreshments and a glass of wine.
