English: A lichen - Bryoria fuscescens. There are several lichens visible in this image, but the one being highlighted in this description is in the form of a tangle of greenish threads wrapped around the other lichens.

Here, the lichen is lying fairly flat against the surface, but, nearby, it occurred in dense tufts hanging from the sides of the trees. It appears green in colour here, perhaps because it is very wet (it rained heavily for most of this day); it often appears more brownish in colour, especially when dry.

In its general appearance, and its habit of forming hanging tufts, this species is similar to some Usnea species (e.g. 953699), but the branching pattern is quite different, and Usnea stems also have a distinctive strong central core.

Through a hand-lens, some disc-shaped reproductive structures were visible, which were attached to, but wider than, the stems.

This is the most common British Bryoria species. According to Frank S. Dobson's identification guide to lichens, it is very sensitive to ammonia pollution.

This view, though not very typical, at least provides a close-up view of the lichen's stems. For a much more typical example of the appearance and habit of this species, see 1282325.