It is believed by some biblical scholars to be the manna that saved the Israelites from starvation after escaping from Egypt. Nowadays the little-known lichen is largely unnoticed by the public, despite its heavy presence in hillwalkers? Favourite haunts. The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute in Aberdeen has produced the first ever guide to montane heathland lichens to give a beginner’s insight into these bizarre yet fascinating organisms found in the mountainous areas of Britain. [continue reading ... ]