Research
Building knowledge for Scotland’s rainforest
Scotland’s Rainforest is rare, beautiful, and still full of mysteries. To restore and expand these unique woodlands, we need strong science and fresh ideas. That’s where research comes in.
This page is your gateway to temperate rainforest research in Scotland and across the UK. Whether you’re:
A researcher looking for collaboration or inspiration
A student searching for project ideas or opportunities
An organisation or individual with a question or proposal to share
Or simply curious about the latest science
…you’re in the right place.
The Rainforest Research Working Group brings together experts and partners to:
Map out the biggest knowledge gaps and research priorities
Connect people and projects
Support funding bids for high-impact research
Make sure findings reach the people who need them most.
Explore the links below to dive deeper.
Monitoring lichens and their dispersal in Scottish rainforests using airborne environmental DNA
How far can rainforest lichen species disperse across landscapes, and how far can they spread into forests, depending on different densities and structures? Olivia Gray from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is researching these issues using air samplers to detect airborne lichen particles, assessing how well this new technology can monitor terrestrial biodiversity.