Loch Lomond Rainforest
Moss-covered boulders. Credit Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority
This exciting project, led by the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, will help to protect and enhance the woodland – an important natural asset in tackling the twin crises of nature loss and the climate emergency.
Protecting and restoring native woodland is an objective set out in our Draft National Park Partnership Plan, which outlines clearly the actions we all need to take over the next five years to make transformational change and secure a positive future for the National Park. Nearly half of the National Park is within the rainforest zone, demonstrating why our collaboration with the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest is so important.
Scots pines and birch. Credit Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority
Through the collaboration, we will:
Remove rhododendron and establish the right level of herbivore grazing, both of which are having a negative impact on biodiversity. This will improve the condition of the existing rainforest and aid natural woodland regeneration.
Expand the rainforest through tree planting where natural regeneration is unlikely to occur.
Create volunteering opportunities, helping to develop a relationship and sense of ownership between the rainforest habitat and local communities.
Deliver an education programme to inform local communities, industry and visitors to the National Park about the project, creating a connection with the National Park and its habitats.
Explore longer term funding through innovative green financing opportunities.
Work will be getting underway next year, but before then there will be opportunities for communities to get involved. To find out more about these opportunities or the project in general then feel free to get in touch with natalie.cozzolino@lochlomond-trossachs.org.
