Even the blackbirds and wrens, restless in the damp and unyielding weather, seemed fed up as the wetness pressed down. No doubt they were reacting to my presence, but their calls somewhat reflected my mood; I felt like replying, “I hear you! The fungus secretes pigments that stain with greens, yellows, blues and rusty reds, injecting a kaleidoscopic vibrancy into otherwise drab days. Churchyards, cemeteries, ruined abbeys and boundary walls often become lichen havens, especially when safe from disturbance, chemical sprays and fertilisers. In the end, lichens can survive nearly everything – even long periods in outer space – but pollution will kill them.

Source: The Irish Times February 14, 2026 15:02 UTC