Scotland's Rainforest

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About Scotland's Rainforest

Scotland’s temperate rainforest is as important as tropical rainforest for it’s biodiversity value. The unique habitat of ancient Oak, Birch, Ash, Pine and Hazel is made even more diverse by open glades, boulders, crags, ravines and river gorges.

Temperate rainforest is oceanic and found where there is a high level of rainfall, year-round mild temperatures and clean air such as the West of Scotland. This is a globally rare habitat as these climates cover less than 1% of the planet.

It’s the diversity of the mosses and lichens, which are found in vast quantities, that make Scotland’s rainforest internationally important. We have some of the best remaining rainforest sites in Europe.

close of branches in scotland's rainforest

Threats to Scotland's Rainforest

Fragmentation: This once widespread woodland has been felled and grazed out of existence across the landscape. It now only survives in fragmented pockets often in ravines, steep slopes and coastal rocky areas. Fragmentation results in loss of diversity and inability for spores and seeds to be exchanged.

Overgrazing: Over 40% of the remaining woodlands are overgrazed by sheep or deer. These woodlands are depleted of many of the species which make the woodland special with only few moribund trees remaining.

Invasive species: Another 40% of rainforest areas are being choked by Rhododendron ponticum, an invasive species outcompeting native fauna and flora.

Under valued: There is little awareness of the biodiversity value of these woodlands, often called scrub by many landowners resulting in them being abused.

Pests and diseases: A risk to all woodland, particularly Ash dieback which threatens our Ash dominated rainforests.

Air pollution: Lichens and bryophytes, important species within these woodlands, require clean air and are sensitive to environmental conditions.

Scotland’s Rainforest: One of the Most Biodiverse Habitats in the UK

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Bryophytes (mosses and liverworts)

Scotland’s Rainforest supports over 200 different species of bryophyte.

Fungi

A number of globally scarce fungi survive in Scotland’s Rainforest including Hazel Gloves fungus (Hypocreopsis rhododendri) which is a conservation priority species growing on old Hazel trees.

Ferns

Grow everywhere from every surface.

Lichens

Scotland’s Rainforest supports up to 200 different species of lichens.