Current status
Ciliate strap-lichen is a foliose species which grows on mossy rocks or in moss-lichen turf on sunny, exposed, coastal cliff tops, where it scrambles amongst other vegetation. It also rarely occurs on the branches of wayside, broadleaved trees and was recorded growing on an ash tree at one of its former sites in West Sussex. This is also its principal habitat in western France. Fertile plants have not been found in Britain.
This south-westerly species is local and declining, only known from 13 sites in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Bardsey Island, the Lleyn Peninsula and Anglesey, where it reaches its northernmost limit in Europe. Three known sites were searched on Bardsey Island in 1985, but only tiny fragments of the lichen were found at two of them. At the Lizard site, where it occurs on mossy boulder scree, a large population was seen in 1986. It was previously more widespread in its range, being recorded from Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire and West Sussex. It is also known from the extreme south-western tip of Counties Cork and Kerry in the Irish Republic where it is relatively well established, and from the Channel Islands. In Europe it has a western oceanic distribution.
This species is classified as Endangered in Great Britain and is protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Current factors causing loss or decline
This species is vulnerable to burning, over- and under-grazing and, where it occurs near to cliff-top paths, trampling by walkers. It is relatively well protected from damage by trampling and fires at the Lizard site, as it is situated in an area of boulder scree.
Sulphur dioxide pollution may have contributed to its decline in the past, but the main pollution threat now is more likely to be from nitrogen-rich rain and drift of agricultural chemicals.
Ciliate strap-lichen is a poor competitor and thus the spread of scrub and coarse vegetation in the immediate vicinity is also a potential threat.
Current action
The main populations are protected within NNRs.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain populations at all extant sites.
Increase the extent of existing populations where appropriate and biologically feasible.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Adhere to commitments, as set by the Critical Loads Advisory Group in 1995, to reduce the 1980 levels of sulphur dioxide emissions by 80% by 2010. Seek adequate monitoring of NOx levels in remote western coastal sites. (ACTION: DETR)
Site safeguard and management
Consider notifying as SSSIs sites with viable populations of ciliate strap-lichen, where this is consistent with selection guidelines and where it is necessary to ensure their long-term protection and appropriate management. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Where it is in the interests of amenity, apply Tree Preservation Orders to protect host trees and woodlands. (ACTION: LAs)
Control the encroachment of scrub and other coarse vegetation on all extant ciliate strap-lichen sites. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Devise and implement measures to restrict public access in areas where this species is vulnerable to trampling. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Ensure that grazing on all extant sites is carefully maintained at levels that will provide maximum benefits for the conservation of ciliate strap-lichen. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Species management and protection
None proposed.
Advisory
Advise landowners and managers of the presence and importance of ciliate strap-lichen, specific management for its conservation, and any potentially damaging actions. Landowners and managers should have access to specialist advice if needed. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
As far as possible, ensure that relevant agri-environment project officers are advised of the locations of this species, its importance, management requirements and potential threats. (ACTION: CCW, NE, MAFF, WOAD)
Future Research and Monitoring
Undertake a thorough survey of all sites from which ciliate strap-lichen has been recorded in the past, in order to determine the current status of this species at each, and to assess the current threats to all extant populations. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Undertake regular monitoring at all extant sites to assess changes in population size and habitat quality. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Undertake a research project to improve understanding of the ecological requirements of this species, with the aim of producing guidelines on management for its conservation. (ACTION: CCW, NE, JNCC)
Review available ecological information from all sites to determine the tolerance of this species to air pollution and drift of agricultural chemicals. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Communications and Publicity
Encourage lichenologists to pass all records of ciliate strap-lichen, including ecological information, to a national database. (ACTION: CCW, NE, JNCC)
Liaise with specialist societies to increase the awareness and identification skills of lichenologists and other naturalists in relation to this species, through publishing articles or holding identification workshops. (ACTION: CCW, NE, JNCC)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume III: Plants and fungi (February 1999, Tranche 2, Vol III, p125)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species