Loch Lomond Rainforest
What is temperate rainforest?
Temperate rainforest is a unique habitat consisting of ancient and native woodland, glades, rivers, boulders, crags, and gorges. They require year-round high rainfall and moderate temperatures, referred to as ‘hyper-oceanic’ conditions. Less than 1% of the Earth’s surface experience these conditions meaning temperate rainforest is a globally rare habitat.
The west coast of Scotland experiences hyper-oceanic conditions making it one of the few places in the world where temperate rainforest habitat can thrive. Our rainforests host internationally rare bryophytes, lichens, vascular plants, birds, and invertebrates.
We’re privileged that nearly half of the National Park is within this important rainforest zone, and with the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest we are working to protect and enhance this habitat around Loch Lomond.
Why is it important?
- Temperate rainforest is a rare and unique habitat supporting a variety of protected and rare species
- It plays an important role in climate change mitigation
- Looking after and promoting our rainforest habitat provides job opportunities
- Spending time in woodlands such as temperate rainforest has huge benefits for our health and wellbeing
- It provides opportunities for education and nature engagement
- It provides volunteering opportunities, which in turn leads to improved health and wellbeing and increased connection with nature
- It is an iconic tourist destination
Our objectives
The long-term aim of the Loch Lomond Rainforest project is to re-establish a resilient, well-connected temperate rainforest habitat within the National Park. This will be achieved by delivering protection to the remaining remnants of existing temperate rainforest while also working to expand and restore this globally important habitat. This will include:
- Rhododendron removal and establishing the right level of herbivore grazing to support the woodland to regenerate naturally
- Tree planting where needed to expand the rainforest
- Creating volunteering opportunities
- Developing an education programme for communities, visitors and industries
- Exploring long term funding through innovative green finance opportunities
- Explore other opportunities to engage visitors in the rainforest environment.
Work so far
To date, we have undertaken a scoping study to better understand the likely location of rainforest habitat around Loch Lomond. The study confirmed that removing Rhododendron ponticum and establishing the right level of herbivore grazing will provide the conditions for the rainforest to rejuvenate and expand.
The next stage was ground truthing surveys to confirm the presence of rainforest, assess its condition, and then enable us to propose recommended management measures to improve the condition of the rainforest habitat. This survey work was funded by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund development phase funding, administered by NatureScot.
What’s next?
Now that we have a good idea of where rainforest exists around Loch Lomond, and what condition it is in, we hope to work with land managers who are interested in delivering management recommendations to improve rainforest habitat conditions. We hope to work across the landscape to address some of the main threats to temperate rainforest including Rhododendron encroachment and herbivore pressures. We also hope to work with local communities to raise awareness about Loch Lomond’s rainforest, and to build capacity to protect and restore it.