Species Action Plans - Starry Breck Lichen
(Buellia
asterella)
Click to view the Starry Breck Lichen Action Plan |
Current Status
National
- The lichen is restricted to one site in Suffolk Breckland (probably now extinct).
Current factors causing loss or decline in Norfolk
- Where it formerly occurred at Weeting Heath it is thought that a lack of rabbit grazing probably resulted in the loss. Currently this area is now subject to very high rabbit grazing, which may be leading to a too loose substrate for the lichen to colonise.
- Increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition increasing higher plant vigour.
Current Action in Norfolk
- This species is the subject of a study into translocation in Breckland. (Translocation failed – proposed turf stripping at Weeting (NWT involved.) Former sites such as Weeting Heath are now managed by a combination of rabbit and sheep grazing.
- A survey was undertaken in 2002 and is summarised in English Nature Research Report No 503: Lichen Survey of Selected Breckland SSSIs.
- A translocation study was undertaken during the 1990s where it was concluded that transplanting is not thought to be a good method of conserving the lichen.
- Turf stripping to create suitable substrate for lichen spores to colonise is proposed at Weeting Heath in winter 05/06.
Action Plan Objectives and Targets
National
- If feasible re-introduce to four formerly occupied sites by 2005.
Norfolk
- Create suitable conditions for re-colonisation at Weeting Heath in winter 05/06.
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Send mail to scott.perkin@norfolk.gov.uk with questions or comments about this web site. This page was printed from the Norfolk Biodiversity Website : http://www.norfolkbiodiversity.org/