A five-year initiative aimed at restoring Scotland’s rare Atlantic rainforest has received nearly £6 million in funding. The grant, provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will support the establishment of three regional hubs located in Torridon, Morvern, and mid-Argyll.
Community-Led Conservation Efforts
The project, titled Our Rainforest Futures, focuses on empowering local residents by providing training and employment opportunities. Participants will engage in essential conservation tasks, including habitat restoration, the management of deer populations, and the removal of invasive plant species. The initiative is led by the Woodland Trust Scotland on behalf of the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest, with additional support from organizations such as the Argyll Countryside Trust, the Community Woodlands Association, Plantlife, RSPB Scotland, and SRUC.
The project will operate through three hubs, each serving several local communities. The Torridon hub will engage residents in Kinlochewe, Shieldaig, Lochcarron, Applecross, and Gairloch. The Morvern hub will cover areas including Lochaline, Strontian, and Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Meanwhile, the mid-Argyll hub will involve communities in Crinan, Tayvallich, Lochgilphead, Ardrishaig, and Tarbert.
Protecting a Unique Ecosystem
Scotland’s Atlantic rainforest encompasses approximately 75,000 acres of woodland along the west coast, recognized for its unique oceanic plant life. The ecosystem serves as a habitat for hundreds of species, including rare lichens, slime moulds, and glow worms. However, these woodlands face significant threats from disease, the spread of invasive plants, and overgrazing by deer and livestock.
Caroline Clark, the Scotland director of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, highlighted that while the rainforest is of international significance, it remains largely unrecognized by the public. Citing a 2025 survey, she noted that fewer than one in three people are aware of its existence. “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,” Clark stated.
According to Julie Stoneman, the program manager for Saving Scotland’s Rainforest at the charity Plantlife, the project is expected to generate more than 20 permanent jobs and 15 trainee positions to support these conservation goals.
