Nature Restoration Fund Awards for Scotland’s Rainforest

Congratulations to Argyll Coast and Countryside Trust, RSPB Scotland and the Woodland Trust Scotland who were successful in their bids to NatureScot for grants to develop and deliver rainforest restoration work as part of landscape-scale projects in Argyll, Morvern and Lochaber. All projects are exemplars of collaborative, community-centric work to tackle the challenges facing our precious rainforest. We wish them well.

> About the Nature Restoration Fund

Scotland’s First-ever Rainforest Centre!

Couldouran House in Torridon, part of the estate that the Woodland Trust Scotland bought last year, looks set to be bought by a new Scottish charity as an educational hub for people to experience, study and get involved in Scotland’s rainforest and its restoration. Plans are still being developed and funding secured, but it’s hoped it will start operating next year, bringing many new opportunities to the Saving Scotland’s Rainforest project.

> Read more

Inspirational Rainforest Gathering in Morvern

To celebrate the Saving Morvern’s Rainforest project finally getting off the blocks, Ardtornish Estate and RSPB Scotland recently hosted a Rainforest Gathering, attended by nearly 100 people who live or work in Morvern as well as representatives from organisations committed to rainforest restoration. The amazing turnout demonstrated the increasing concern and interest in temperate rainforest not just in Morvern, but across all of Scotland’s rainforest zone.

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Highlands Rewilding buys Tayvallich Estate

After several weeks of nail-biting finance-raising, Highlands Rewilding has just clinched a deal to buy Tayvallich Estate, with the intention to restore rainforest habitat at scale working alongside the local community. This is a hugely exciting development, not least because of the link with the Argyll Coast and Countryside Trust-led Saving Argyll’s Rainforest project, which has the potential to galvanise efforts to connect rainforest restoration efforts across Argyll.

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Could “Ecochar” save the Rainforest?

ASR partners have been working with Treeconomy, a nature-tech startup which is examining the conversion of rhododendron into nature-positive biochar, or ecochar™,  for the creation of sellable carbon credits. Working with researchers from the University of Nottingham, they are analysing rhododendron char from the National Trust for Scotland’s property at Inverewe to investigate whether ecochar™ could be a durable, ecologically sound carbon removal solution. If  successful, this could provide long-term, sustainable funding for rhododendron removal. 

> Read more

The Benefits of Community Woodlands

The Community Woodland Association has recently published a set of case studies and films, all set in Scotland’s rainforest, that demonstrate the economic and social benefits of native woodland management. Congratulations to all involved especially Arkaig Community Forest, Cormonachan Community Woodlands, Friends of Glenan Wood and Knoydart Forest Trust - a great resource!

> View case studies

Welcome to Buglife Scotland

Buglife Scotland is the latest partner to join the Alliance, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise around conservation action for invertebrates, which can be applied to our developing management guidance and training materials. Jamie Robins joins us as the organisation lead for Buglife, with involvement from Lucia Chmurovan. Welcome!

> About Buglife Scotland

What Makes a Rainforest? Definition, Differences and Boundaries

Renowned botanist and rainforest expert Ben Averis has attempted to answer the often-posed question about where temperate rainforest is actually found in Britain and Ireland, bringing together data on climate and indicator species. His results align well with the boundary that ASR works to in Scotland - which is slightly smaller as it covers the area where most of the remaining rainforest fragments are found. There are also wonderful photographs of rainforest indicator species!

> Download from SSR resources page

Forestry Grant Scheme Consultation now Open

The Scottish Government has opened a public consultation on its Forestry Grant Scheme, a critical opportunity to influence how future grants might better support the creation, management and restoration of rainforest. Do take the time to share your experiences and views - the deadline for response is 17 May.

> Make your views known

Find out more at www.savingscotlandsrainforest.org.uk
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