Habitat/History: If you interpret their shape (twisted/stunted),habitat, and the lichen epiphyte Lecanactis abietina, of these trees, information can be gained about their history. These Oaks at Pagham are partly submerged at high tide and their shape is not typical. Oaks don't particularly like coasts and they tend to grow upright in woods. These trees' epiphytes include probably Lecanactis abietina, an old tree indicator, whose vernacular name is "old wood lichen"; it is unusual on 'maritime' trees.
Presumably when these Oaks started to grow they were not by the sea. The lichen probably started using the Oaks as substrates (through wind/animal/rain transfer of spores (fungus only which need to meet the right alga; or transfer of fragmented blobs of fungus (mycobiont)/alga (photobiont) together when they were not by the sea. Then, after the lichen was established, the harbour changed shape and the sea encroached to the edge of these trees
Because of the geology of the Manhood Peninsular (Eocene Bracklesham Group (sands, silts and clays)) the shape of the coast and harbour changed frequently. It is known from the historical record the Pagham Harbour has constantly changed from the times of the Roman occupation, when it was used as a port, to today.
what3words location: ///rise.duet.reds
Lichens:
Lecanactis abietina
Xanthoria parietina, Golden Shield Lichen
Ramalina farinacea, Farinose Cartilage Lichen
Cladonia coniocraea, Common Powderhorn
Flavoparmelia caperata, Common Greenshield Lichen
Mosses:
Hypnum cupressiforme Cypress-leaved Plait-Moss
Genus Didymodon
Lewinskya affinis Wood Bristle-Moss
