LICHENS OF SKOMER ISLAND, WEST WALES

Skomer Island, a National Nature Reserve, lies off the West coast of W ales. This small island holds lichen communities of international impo rtance associated with large populations of seabirds. Saxicolous liche n communities are described, 248 species listed and details given of a base-line monitoring programme, which will provide data on changes in the lichen flora over time and distinguish cyclical from permanent de leterious changes. Threats to island populations are discussed, such a s the likely effects of oil pollution following the Sea Empress accide nt in February 1996. (C) 1996 The British Lichen Society