Only around 30,000 hectares remain of these rain-soaked woodlands on Scotland’s west coast. The delicate mosses, lichens and liverworts that maintain the humidity this ecosystem needs are under threat from overgrazing, invasive species and habitat loss.
The people who live and work around these woodlands are essential to securing their future. The project, Our Rainforest Futures, wants to mobilise, train and equip people with the skills and knowledge to be guardians and advocates of Scotland’s precious rainforest. It aims to leave both Scotland's rainforest habitat and its communities more resilient.
The project will run across Scotland's west coast through three ‘hub’ areas: Torridon, Morvern and Mid-Argyll. Some communities in these rural areas are fragile due to declining and ageing populations, and a scarcity of employment and training opportunities to keep young people in the community. To respond to these challenges, the project's goals include:
- offer accredited and informal training in skills such as deer management, ecological surveying and removing invasive species
- create more than 20 jobs and 15 traineeships and inspire young people to enter careers in rainforest conservation
- support community-led projects with grants and advice
- create volunteering and learning opportunities and help local people to boost their wellbeing and social connections
Our Rainforest Futures is an Alliance for Scotland's Rainforest project led by the Woodland Trust Scotland. Project partners are Argyll Countryside Trust, Community Woodlands Association, Plantlife, RSPB Scotland and SRUC.
Caroline Clark, Director of Scotland at the Heritage Fund, said: “This major investment, using funds raised by National Lottery players, recognises that the future of our rainforest and the future of many west coast communities are closely linked. With the right support, both can thrive.”
