Another new Focus Project joins the ASR

We’re thrilled to announce that a new rainforest project has joined the ASR. The Northwest Mull Collaboration project is focussed on the area around Loch Na Keal, Lagganulva and the island of Ulva, which is rich in hazel and oak woodlands. The project will concentrate on protecting existing rainforest, and working with landowners to reduce the impact of over-browsing by deer. This new addition means that the ASR now has 12 Focus Projects, with more in the pipeline.

> Northwest Mull joins the ASR

Funding boost for Loch Lomond rainforest

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park has received development funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, for a project spanning its whole landscape, with a focus on temperate rainforest. The project intends to bring together multiple landowners, charities and organisations, and offer practical training, local jobs, improved deer management and nature opportunities for tourists.

> On the bonny banks

Photography tips from a pro

If you’re interested in getting out into Scotland’s rainforest with your camera, landscape photographer legend Colin Prior offered some great tips in a recent video. He looks at light, atmosphere, and the challenge of how to capture such a ‘messy’ habitat!

> Lichens and lenses

Nevis woodland restoration plans quadruple

Jahama Highland Estates, one of the partners of Nevis Nature Network, an ASR Focus Project, has announced that it will significantly expand native woodland across its landholdings – quadrupling the size of the project area. The aim is to help new woodlands develop by reducing over-browsing by deer across the landscape, and encourage natural regeneration in and around existing stands of mature trees.

> Expanding nature

The songs of spring

Spring has sprung across the rainforest zone, and right now is a great time to listen out for four very special birds. These summer migrants are only here for a few months each year, and on arrival, they start singing their hearts out to attract a mate and establish a breeding territory. Spring is a good time to go out looking for them, as there are fewer leaves on the trees, making them easier to see.

> The birds of the rainforest

New guidance to tackle one of the rainforest’s biggest threats

Rhododendron ponticum is an invasive plant that was introduced to Scotland to be grown in gardens and on shooting estates for cover. Unfortunately, it loves it here, and it’s spreading like crazy, particularly in the west, where it’s now thought to have infested more than 40% of rainforest woodlands. Tackling it is tricky, but many organisations are getting stuck in. So this new guidance from the Community Woodland Association is very welcome.

> The ponticum problem

Job opportunities in Scotland’s rainforest

Restoring and protecting Scotland’s rainforest can’t happen without people. All across the rainforest zone and beyond, dozens of people are now working with rainforest either as their full-time job, or as part of a role. You could join them! Our jobs page lists current roles from a broad range of organisations, with regular updates throughout the year. So whether you’re an ecologist, a project manager, a fundraiser, or a communicator, a new future might just be a click away…

> Find your next job

Find out more at www.savingscotlandsrainforest.org.uk
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