Appin Rainforest Regeneration
Credit John MacPherson
Appin is widely recognised as a leading example of rainforest restoration in Scotland. The woods are part of a mosaic of habitats that are free of invasive species, and a diverse range of native tree species is securing a future for the rainforest. This is delivering economic, social and environmental benefits for the people of Appin.
Appin is home to significant areas of Scotland’s rainforest remnants, including the Glen Creran Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which is threatened by invasive species and inappropriate grazing levels. Part of this SAC has already been included in an innovative community-based rhododendron control programme. This project, which is being developed by the Appin Community Development Trust (ACDT), will consolidate and expand upon this work.
ACDT is passionate about building community cohesion and resilience and meeting the challenges of being remote and rural. As a SCIO it is uniquely able to provide services and manage assets and infrastructure on behalf of the people who live and work in Appin. It is owned by its membership, with a leadership group of Trustees chosen by the membership and fully accountable to the membership.
ACDT’s mission is to help Appin be a vibrant, sustainable, resilient and inclusive community for all who live and work here. This is achieved through local consultation and group working to identify needs and opportunities, leading to the development of services and facilities as required by local people.
Given its remote location, Appin suffers from a lack of services and infrastructure when compared to more urban environments. ACDT’s earliest projects aimed at providing essential services enabling people to continue to live in their own homes and community, such as providing a community transport scheme for those who are no longer able to drive themselves.
ACDT is also developing projects to encourage and support younger working families to come and make Appin their home, providing new facilities and infrastructure for sports and recreational activities.
Project aims
The project is founded on the mission to restore Appin’s significant rainforest remnants, and allow natural regeneration. This will be achieved by removing invasive non-native species INNS, primarily Rhododendron ponticum, and enhanced deer management to deliver rainforest protection and expansion.
The project is building on previous work to control invasive rhododendron in Glen Creran - an exemplar project of rainforest regeneration.
Credit John MacPherson
Progress so far
Thanks to funding from the Nature Restoration Fund (managed by NatureScot), and working with Native Woods Cooperative we have completed the development phase for the project, which involved:
engaging with local land managers
mapping INNS within the project area
supporting a ‘rainforest apprentice’
holding local events to engage, educate and inform our local community about the importance of Appin’s rainforest, including engaging with issues around deer management.
undertaking a feasibility study for a community deer larder.
ACDT has also been participating in the development of a local Deer Forum convened by NatureScot.
Funding from the Scottish Government’s Rainforest Restoration Fund (managed by NatureScot) and further NRF delivery funding has enabled us to begin the delivery phase. This phase has already seen:
the development of a local squad of 10 employees and over 30 volunteer team members to carry out our INNS eradication programme
further development of plans to deliver a local deer larder
further engagement with Appin Deer Forum to enhance deer management in the area
the recruitment of a Project Manager and Communications Officer to support the project
the creation of Appin Forest Services CIC, sitting within ACDT, to deliver the project
And we’re just getting started! Follow along on our journey to see what’s next for the Appin Rainforest Regeneration Project.
Project partners
The project involves ACDT as the lead partner in collaboration with local landholders, the local community, and Native Woods Cooperative.
NatureScot and Scottish Forestry are important funding partners.
Contact
Victoria Kynaston, Development Officer, Appin Community Development Trust
