Can anyone explain?

Hi all,
OK ..looked again and the holly is definately growing out of the tree, and not from the lichen. No signs of the Honey Fungus as mentioned above. I suppose I have only ever seen healthy holly bushes covered in holly leaves and more of a bush shape....never dreamed that a really poorly one could look like this. I am not however entirely convinced....yet! Will wait to see what happens as time goes on...watch this space.! lol

 

I always thought that lichen growth as good as that was a sign of excellent air quality. You see it in the woods in wildest Scotland.
I'm with Pete, those twigs look very Hollyesque to me too.

Nik