Stephen Ward graduated from the Bangor University in botany. His doctorate on heathland ecology was gained at Aberdeen. He devoted his career to nature conservation, being proud to have worked in the Nature Conservancy, ITE and Scottish Natural Heritage. Achievements [always as part of a team] included a vegetation map of Dartmoor, a definitive study of limestone pavements, work on Anglesey and the Lleyn Peninsula to conserve SSSIs, notifying SSSIs in NE England, and latterly going back to his rhizines with a remit to represent the best interests of lower plants and fungi in Scotland – largely as an MP might do – knowing few of them personally, but fighting for their welfare.

Barbara Hilton's interest in lichens developed because of the great scope they provide for projects among student teachers. Her enthusiasm grew through membership of the BLS and studying coastal lichens. She helped to develop the OPAL air quality survey and maintains interest in churchyard lichens. Expeditions, as to Yunnan (China) and Newfoundland, broadened her knowledge of lichens and their ecology. By training a chemist and biochemist, Barbara drew on her educational background in chairing the Education and Promotions Committee for 10 years. She enjoys photography, is a Fellow of the RSA and received the Ursula Duncan Award in 2008.

Peter Lambley MBE graduated from Leicester University in Botany and worked for 15 years for Norfolk Museums Service before going abroad to work at The University of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby. He stayed there for 4 years before returning to England. From 1989 until 2006 he worked as a Conservation Officer for English Nature in Norfolk but was also the lichen specialist for English Nature. His interest in lichens goes back a long way but an early excursion with Dr Francis Rose to Sotterley Park in Suffolk inspired him to start studying them seriously. He has been BLS Assistant Treasurer and more recently Bulletin editor.