Lichens on stone—those "still explosions," as poet Elizabeth Bishop aptly described them—are often overlooked, despite their prevalence and ecological significance. These fascinating organisms, stemming from a symbiotic relationship between fungi and photosynthetic partners, are perceived by many as mere plants. This misidentification contributes to what researchers have termed "plant blindness," a phenomenon where individuals fail to notice plants in their surroundings. This oversight is unfortunate, as lichens have gained unexpected attention in recent months, especially following the Just Stop Oil protest at Stonehenge in June 2024.

The protest, marked by activists spraying orange powder paint on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, aimed to draw urgency to climate change, provoking widespread debate about environmental activism and its impact on cultural heritage. The protest was galvanised by a quote from a demonstrator who labelled the stones as "inert," prompting opposition from many who were concerned for the lichens that inhabit these ancient rocks. English Heritage, which manages Stonehenge, responded by emphasising the significance of these stones, not just as physical relics, but as vital connections through time to nature and to each other.

In the aftermath, cultural heritage experts raised alarms about the potential harm to the rare lichens on Stonehenge. The cleaning process itself posed challenges, as removing particulate matter from stone without damaging the lichen required careful methods. English Heritage confirmed that they used specialist blowers, avoiding chemical cleaners that could further jeopardise the fragile ecosystem residing on the stones. This event draws attention to an often-overlooked interplay between activism and heritage conservation, illustrating how modern environmental issues can intersect with ancient cultural landmarks.

Understanding lichens is crucial to this dialogue. Traditionally, scientists have defined lichens as entities easily categorised within our biological classifications. However, their unique composition—spanning multiple branches of the biological tree—complicates such simplifications. Researchers now argue that lichens represent complex ecosystems unto themselves, encompassing not only fungi and algae but also various bacteria and microorganisms. This evolving perspective can enhance our comprehension of ecological systems, encouraging holistic approaches in conservation strategies.

The dynamic relationship between lichens and stone challenges our conventional perceptions of life and non-life, blurring the lines between what is biotic and abiotic. Some lichens, such as Verrucaria baldensis, neatly embed within stones, prompting us to reconsider the very nature of what it means to exist. Their longevity—some being thousands of years old—suggests a compelling narrative that transcends simple categorisations. In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, recognising the interactive histories that lichens and stones share is vital.

As discussions surrounding the Stonehenge protest unfold, it becomes evident that the value of lichens extends beyond ecological markers; they are integral to cultural and artistic narratives that intersect with our human experiences. Contemporary artists and scholars draw upon these symbiotic relationships to frame issues of resilience and interconnectedness, allowing for new cultural dialogues around heritage conservation. Examining lichens through a lens that imbues them with agency reveals alternative ways of understanding the natural world.

This intersectionality prompts a reconsideration of how we value the environmental components of our heritage sites. Traditional views often prioritise the preservation of stone over the living entities upon them, resulting in costly restoration efforts that can inadvertently harm the lichens themselves. A reconceptualisation of what constitutes heritage could foster an appreciation that embraces both the biotic and abiotic, advocating for holistic conservation approaches that reflect our intertwined existence with the natural landscape.

In essence, lichens encourage a reframing of the narratives surrounding our cultural relics. They serve not only as biological indicators of environmental health but also as bridges linking the geological and cultural histories of human existence. Recognising the importance of these complex relationships urges us to expand our environmental ethical discussions beyond mere prioritisation of one domain over another, fostering a more integrated and compassionate stewardship of our shared heritage. The challenge lies in cultivating relationships with the non-living elements of our world—treating stones not as inert objects but as parts of a living ecological tapestry that tells the stories of both nature and culture.

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Source: Noah Wire Services