Lungwort

The green, ribbed flaps of the tree lungwort lichen are still quite frequent on old trunks of ash and oak in Exmoor' s sheltered valley bottoms. The name derives from a belief in medieval times that its resemblance to human lung tissue meant it could be used to cure respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis. Sadly, there is no evidence that it has any value in such cases.

Elsewhere in England it has suffered a massive decline in both abundance and range during the last two hundred years. This is primarily because, like a number of other lichens, it is very sensitive to air pollution. It is now largely confined to the fringes of western Britain, where air quality is highest. In addition, tree lungwort will only colonise new trees very slowly. Most colonies are found on ancient trees which tend to be felled because they have no economic value or are considered dangerous.In order to protect tree lungwort

We need to safeguard these veterans and provide younger replacement trees for it to colonise in the future. We must also ensure that woodland management work provides the well-lit but sheltered conditions in which tree lungwort thrives. Lastly, we must try to ensure that the high air quality enjoyed by Exmoor is maintained. The presence of tree lungwort is an indicator of an undisturbed and unpolluted environment and by protecting it, we will also conserve many of the other plants and animals of Exmoor's ancient woodlands .

Contributed by: Jim Noonan