Lichen Study at Winterton-on-Sea

During our recent trip to Winterton, we conducted some research into the effects of human trampling on Lichen distribution in the Grey Dunes.

The aim of the task was to research if the creation of pathways through the dunes via trampling had any effect on lichen growth and distribution in the dunes. The pathways were identified by the evidence of trampling and height of the vegetation, with very short grass an indication of trampling.

The method used was systematic sampling using a quadrat along a belt-transect. In this, a transect was started at a given distance from the perceived path boundary at each sample site, as to ensure the method was standardised to enable repeatability. The distance used was the width of one quadrat from the path boundary. The quadrat was placed on the ground at 0 metres from the starting point on the pathway, and then at every 1 metre point along the transect out from the path, up to 10 metres. In each quadrat, the percentage cover of lichen was estimated to the nearest 5%, and this data was recorded in a table.

The analysis of the data involved identification of a correlation, and as the graph shows, there is evidently a relationship between the lichen distribution and effects of human trampling. The graph indicates a positive correlation between lichen distribution and distance from the path, showing that the further away from the path you move, the percentage cover of lichen increases. This suggests that human trampling does affect lichen distribution.

However, in future incidences, this study could be improved. For example, to ensure representative data is acquired, more samples need to be taken at more locations within the study area, and in addition to this, each sample location must take into account other pathways, as to ensure that the belt transect does not start on one pathway and end up crossing over others, as this would adversely affect the data collected. The time scale of this investigation may also impact on the data gathered, due to differences between the seasons in the amount of trampling (ie. in the summer months, more walkers will be present, so more trampling may be observed). So, in order to assess the full extent to the trampling effects of humans on lichen distribution, the study could be undertaken several times each month throughout a year in order to collect representative data. In addition to this, it would be beneficial to place each quadrat every 30cm as opposed to every 1m, as this would enable the precise point of transition from no lichen to a given percentage cover of lichen to be plotted.

Given the task to manage this reserve, I would ensure that there are posters up around the sand dune reserve that educate people about the potential effects of trampling, so that they know to tread carefully. I would also erect fences around particularly sensitive areas of lichen, in order to protect it from being trampled. Also, the creation of lichen or plant monitoring groups could be a good idea, as it would ensure that the abundance of lichen and other plants was continually monitored for damage or adverse changes, and these groups could educate others about the importance of lichen and plants in sand dune or psammosere systems, as well as the importance of watching where people tread.