Lichens, often overlooked yet ubiquitous, have recently emerged from obscurity to the forefront of public discourse, thanks to their unexpected role in the debate surrounding the Just Stop Oil protest at Stonehenge. These complex organisms, neither plant nor fungus but a symbiotic relationship between the two, challenge our perceptions of life and inertness. Their presence on ancient stones like those at Stonehenge serves as a living testament to the dynamic interplay between nature and human heritage.

The protest, which questioned the legacy of human civilization in the face of climate change, inadvertently highlighted the ecological and cultural significance of lichens. Critics of the protest pointed out that the stones, far from being inert, are home to rare lichens that have thrived for generations. This counterargument underscores a broader conversation about what we value in our natural and cultural landscapes, and how these values influence our responses to environmental activism.

English Heritage's commentary on Stonehenge as a bridge connecting people with nature and each other through the ages adds depth to this discussion. Lichens, in this context, are not merely biological entities but symbols of continuity and resilience. Their ability to colonize stone surfaces and thrive in harsh conditions mirrors humanity's own enduring connection to the natural world, a relationship that is both ancient and urgently relevant in the context of climate change.

The debate sparked by the Just Stop Oil protest and the subsequent focus on lichens at Stonehenge reveals a growing recognition of these organisms' role in our understanding of heritage and ecology. As we grapple with the challenges of preserving our cultural and natural heritage in a changing climate, lichens offer a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all life, even that which clings silently to stone. Their story is a call to look closer, to see beyond the surface, and to appreciate the complex web of life that sustains our planet.

The Central Bank of Ireland has concluded a long-running inquiry into the Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS), resulting in significant penalties for former executives. John Stanley Purcell, a former board member, has been fined €130,000 and banned from the financial sector for four years due to his role in the society's governance and risk management failures. The inquiry highlighted a period between 2004 and 2008 where INBS's commercial lending practices were found to be lacking in oversight and adherence to financial regulations.

During the years under scrutiny, INBS's commercial loan book expanded dramatically from €3.59bn to €8.18bn, with commercial loans making up 78% of its total loan book by the end of 2008. The Central Bank's report detailed a culture of high-risk lending, where large sums were disbursed without proper documentation, adequate security, or necessary approvals. This reckless approach to lending was a significant factor in the society's eventual collapse during the financial crisis.

The inquiry also shed light on the broader systemic failures within INBS, including a lack of adherence to its own credit risk management policies and the absence of annual credit risk stress tests for commercial lending. Louise Gallagher, the Central Bank's head of enforcement investigations, emphasized the discovery of a pervasive culture that prioritized high-risk lending over sound financial practices. The findings underscore the importance of robust governance and risk management frameworks in financial institutions.

In addition to the penalties imposed on Purcell, the Central Bank's inquiry has led to settlements with other former INBS executives, including disqualifications and fines. The total cost of the investigation and inquiry into INBS's regulatory breaches amounted to over €24m, spanning 15 years from 2010 to 2025. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to uphold financial regulations and the critical need for accountability in the banking sector.