Restoring Scotland’s Temperate Rainforests

The movement to restore Scotland’s temperate rainforest is making dramatic progress. This has been helped by the formation of effective partnerships and influenced by the role of individuals with vision and passion. Increasing awareness of this ecosystem has led to further support from local communities and an increase in funds for restoration .

Scotland’s West Coast has the attributes necessary for a temperate rainforest . Rain is abundant (over 1.5 metres per year), the prevailing winds bring clean Atlantic air warmed by the Gulf Stream, and there are remnant woodlands where internationally rare plants have survived.

Conservation managers have long recognised the importance of these woodlands. However, the habitat did not have the same “street appeal” as Scotland’s Caledonian pinewoods. This changed in 2017 when a group of enthusiasts began to chart a different future for what was then known by various names, including Atlantic Oakwoods (although Caledonian pinewoods also occur in the temperate rainforest zone).

This resulted in an alliance and the appointment of a coordinator, who has enabled ongoing effective action. A range of high-quality communication materials have presented information about the state of Scotland’s rainforest, including clear evidence of the threats it faces. However, the most significant step was the agreement to rebrand Atlantic Oakwoods as “Scotland’s Rainforest”. Consistent messaging has helped build public awareness, and the increased awareness of global rainforests has contributed to the “brand” gaining traction.

These initial steps have led to the formation of Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest (ASR), comprising over 25 members ranging from land-reform charities to landowner representatives and botanical gardens. The Scottish Government’s strategic approach to restoring and expanding Scotland’s rainforest formalised political support, and the first restoration projects are now receiving funds.

Community has always been at the heart of ASR, which recognises that both people and the rainforest are under threat. Scotland’s West Coast population is declining and ageing. At the same time, the rainforest is under threat from Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) and inappropriate grazing levels, often caused by high deer numbers. Dealing with these threats requires a collaborative approach, as neither INNS nor deer respect property boundaries. Action also requires long-term commitment and physical work. Together, these factors provided an opportunity for rainforest regeneration to contribute to strengthening communities. While environmental NGOs led the first restoration projects, community organisations are leading subsequent projects that recognise the local opportunities that rainforest regeneration can offer.

These restoration efforts are part of an increasing trend to integrate technology into rainforest restoration, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of these initiatives and create high-quality rural jobs. Initially, thermal drones have provided dramatic new insights into the actual numbers of deer found in the rainforest. On the ground, thermal sights and scopes are also helping to make deer management more effective. Alliance members are also collaborating with academic centres to develop machine-learning capabilities for identifying herbivores and INNS.

There is still a long way to go. Still, early indications suggest that bringing local people and conservation together can yield positive outcomes for both communities and nature in the restoration and ongoing care of temperate rainforests.