The NatureSpot Photo of the Month for January is this image of Chewing Gum Lichen, taken by NatureSpot contributor David Nicholls. More...

Some lichens are important indicators of air quality and cannot grow where pollution kills them. Chewing Gum Lichen, Protoparmeliopsis muralis, on the other hand is tough as old boots and happy even in the filthiest environments. Widespread and very common in urban areas, it grows on pavements, rocks, concrete and other hard urban substrates that are enriched with nitrogen - such as vehicle exhausts, and this month's photo is documentary proof!  

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