Bacidia incompta
Bacidia incompta is a rare crustose lichen of smooth-barked trees – particularly ash, hazel, and field maple – in ancient and long-established woodland. A nationally scarce species, it is a reliable indicator of ancient woodland continuity, associated with sites that have remained wooded for centuries without significant disturbance. In Suffolk it is associated with the ancient and semi-ancient woodlands of the boulder clay in the south and west of the county. As with many woodland lichens, it is highly sensitive to changes in canopy structure, air quality, and woodland management, and its presence signals habitat of the highest ecological value.
Find out more: iNaturalist, Lichens of Wales, Plantlife
Suffolk’s Priority Lichen Species
Key
Listed as a conservation priority in Suffolk’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
Closely associated with Suffolk’s landscape and natural identity.
Identified as a key priority for recovery under Suffolk’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Has a Species of the Month article attached.
