Two new landscape-scale rainforest restoration projects

We’re very pleased to welcome our ninth and tenth landscape-scale focus projects! Both the Appin Rainforest Regeneration project and Nevis Nature Network are led by community groups rather than ASR partner organisations. These landscape-scale projects are vital for rainforest restoration in Scotland, and close involvement from community groups should help to future-proof this work, giving it more chance of long-term success. ASR focus projects now cover more than 300,000ha, or 15% of the rainforest zone.

> Explore the focus projects

Craignish Lantern Festival

Scotland’s rainforest was the theme chosen by young people for this year’s Craignish Lantern Festival in March. Local people came along to find out more about their rainforest from Plantlife Scotland’s lichen and bryophyte expert, Oliver Moore. The team from Our Rainforest Futures was also on hand to meet participants, and find out why the rainforest is important to them. This is valuable evidence for the development phase of this National Lottery Heritage Funded project.

> Art, poetry and conservation

A photographic trip down memory lane

Last year, we sent photographer John MacPherson to the heart of Scotland's rainforest to help us capture some of the essence of these woodlands through his stunning images. He did that with bells on, and has written eloquently about his experiences in a two-part blog. Read part one of the blog here (you’ll also find a link to part two).

> Rainforest through a lens

Huge new nature reserve for Scottish Wildlife Trust

ASR partner The Scottish Wildlife Trust has made its biggest ever land purchase, with the 7,500ha Inverbroom Estate. Their ambition for the new reserve is to restore a healthy mosaic of habitats, including encouraging natural regeneration of temperate rainforest. They’ll also be removing invasive non-native species, such as Rhododendron ponticum.

> Action for wildlife and people

Film and music that captures the spirit of the rainforest

ACT in Argyll have shared the outcomes of two creative commissions that celebrate the beauty, spirit, and stories of Argyll’s rainforest communities. Our Rainforest Communities Network film offers a window into the lives of those connected to Argyll’s rainforests, while This Is Our Home, is an evocative composition that brings together nature, music, and community.

> Music in the rain

Uncovering an unexpected rainforest in Oban

Oban hosts Scotland’s busiest port, and is bustling with people right through the year. But climb to the top of Dunollie Wood, managed by Woodland Trust Scotland, and you’ll enter another world. Here, a small area of temperate rainforest has survived, clinging on in an ever-changing world, and supporting a rich variety of lichens, mosses and fungi. It’s open to everyone - worth a look when you next visit the area.

> Lichens galore!

Raising awareness of rhododendrons

With Invasive Species Week just around the corner (12-18 May) it’s good to see people talking about the problem of Rhododendron ponticum in the rainforest. YouTuber cridhe has put this interesting video together, while Forestry and Land Scotland and National Trust for Scotland have worked together to produce a new guide to how to deal with this pernicious plant. You can find it on our resources page below.

> Stem treatment for rhododendrons

Find out more at www.savingscotlandsrainforest.org.uk
Want to join the mailing list? Sign up here