18-03-2025
Rare species being reintroduced to ancient Pembrokeshire woodland
A LICHEN success story is being celebrated in an ancient rainforest.
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has been working to restore lost lichens in Cwm Gwaun, an area known for its ancient Celtic rainforest.
The landscape is home to five Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), each nationally significant for its lichen-rich woodlands.
Lichens thrive in well-lit, humid environments with exceptionally clean air.
However, in recent decades, the delicate ecosystems have declined due to changes in traditional woodland grazing practices and the impact of agriculture and industry on air quality.
One of the most striking lichens, Tree Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria), was recorded on only five trees in the valley in 2007.
Recent signs suggest that conditions are once again becoming favourable for its recovery.
A breakthrough moment came in 2017 when a conservation officer discovered a small fragment of Tree Lungwort on the ground following a storm at the Sychpant picnic site.
Using netting from a fruit bag, they secured the fragment to a nearby ash tree, where it has since thrived.
This unexpected success inspired a larger-scale effort to restore the species.
As part of the Cysylltu Natur 25x25 project, a lichen expert has now transplanted 46 small, windblown fragments onto 20 trees across three selected sites in Cwm Gwaun.
The locations were chosen following thorough surveys, which confirmed the presence of other old-growth forest lichens with similar habitat needs.
Each tree has been mapped and labelled, allowing volunteers to monitor the progress of the transplants in the months and years ahead.
The storm that once dislodged a fragment may ultimately help breathe new life into the area's lichen communities.
Mary Chadwick, conservation officer for the national park, said: "Tree lungwort is a stunning lichen that embodies the essence of Atlantic rainforests.
"It's exciting to contribute to its gradual recovery across Cwm Gwaun."
The project is funded by the Nature Networks Programme and delivered by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government.
