Learning Lichens: a walk in the park
Join us for a leisurely walk in Kensington Gardens this Spring, exploring the fascinating world of lichens.
Key information
Step out with Aspen Ecology and the Help Nature Thrive team from The Royal Parks, as we explore the fascinating and beautiful world of lichens in Kensington Gardens.
Discover why lichens are returning to the centre of London after decades of absence, understand their vital importance for the ecology and wildlife of the park, and learn how to identify common species.
We will be recording the lichens we find, so join us as citizen scientists to collect valuable data which will help us understand urban lichen biodiversity and monitor any changes.
You will see lichens in a whole new light, and a walk through the park will never be quite the same again!
Your guides
Dr Anthony Speca is a field lichenologist, educator and active lichen recorder for the British Lichen Society. Lichens are everywhere, and Anthony is passionate about helping people enjoy the strange beauty and ecological importance of their ‘local lichens'.
Gemma Hindi is one of Help Nature Thrive's engagement officers at The Royal Parks, helping people reconnect with our heritage and ecology through encounters with wild plants and fungi.
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Dr. Anthony Speca on a previous lichen walk -
Tree lichen viewed under a lens -
Looking close at tree bark
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Dr. Anthony Speca on a previous lichen walk -
Tree lichen viewed under a lens -
Looking close at tree bark
Dates & Times
Wednesday 4 March 2026, Kensington Gardens
Register for 11am walk Register for 2pm walk
Friday 13 March 2026, Kensington Gardens
Register for 11am walk Register for 2pm walk
All walks meet in front of the Italian Gardens Café - view map
Help Nature Thrive delivers exciting habitat creation, enhancement and restoration projects as well as visitor events and citizen science projects across The Royal Parks. Take a peek at our website for other events and ways to get involved. Help Nature Thrive is possible thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Please note that photography may be taken during this event. If you do not wish to be included in photos, let a member of staff know on the day. See our Privacy Policy for more details.
