High Pike lichen monitoring

A break in the rain, so off up High Pike to see how the Thamnolia vermicularis or White-worm Lichen is fairing. 

We had heard that there had been some illegal off-roading on the top of the fell and that could have easily destroyed the entire lichen population, so it was with some concerns that we made our visit. 

Carrock Fell.

The track before heading off up the fell. 

The summit vegetation has been trashed. 

The summit cairn pulled apart and the metal trig plate removed. 

Thankfully the seat remains...

As does the Thamnolia ....

...which continues to do well. 

Basic monitoring photogrpahs were taken which will be repeated on an annual basis.

The sun came out briefly the fells are flushing purple...

..and there was blue sky! 

Nosey Swaledales!