Altitudinal gradients of epiphytic macrolichens in the Atlantic Oakwoods of Borrowdale, Cumbria

This research project investigates species richness and species distribution of epiphytic macrolichen species in the canopies of two Atlantic oakwoods in Borrowdale Cumbria. These are a scarce woodland habitat type and are of international conservation concern. Three altitude levels are sampled in two separate woods that have historically different management practices and this is considered in distribution evaluation. Percentage cover of Canopies are assess for the percentage cover of all macrolichen on fifteen branches of 10 cm diameter and 1 m length. Canopy access was gained using arboricultural methods. Results are analysed statistically using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests at p