#5: Visit a temperate rainforest

After reading ‘The Lost Rainforests of Britain’ by Guy Shrubsole, I became obsessed with these ancient woodlands that used to cover the western UK, but now only accounts for about 1% of the UK’s woodland – very rare indeed. I had to find one.

When I first picked up this book, I thought it was fiction. When I think of rainforests, the UK doesn’t immediately come to mind. But of course, the west coast rains relentlessly, creating rich ecosystems. And since it’s much cooler here than in countries with tropical rainforests, ours are referred to as temperate rainforests.

Humans are largely to blame for the loss of these woodlands: deforestation for timber and farming, often replacing them with non-native conifer plantations that destroy native biodiversity. But also the overgrazing of deer (also our fault) and climate change (OK, it’s all our fault).

A truly sad story, but there is hope.

Scotland is currently pioneering rainforest restoration projects. Initiatives led by organisations such as the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforests and NatureScot are helping to save and expand these forests by collecting seeds from native trees to grow more, removing invasive rhododendrons, restoring degraded habitat, and more.

And so my challenge was to find one. It should be easy, I thought, but these woodlands haven’t drawn much attention. It took a while for good information to appear on search engine results. This map by the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest became my primary source.

A camping trip to Glencoe presented me with an opportunity to find one, and I chose to visit the Ariundle Oakwood National Nature Reserve, north of Strontian, Lochaber. Honestly, I think we found one of the coolest spots in Scotland.

I hope these photos capture some of the magic I felt that day. This woodland was full of ancient oak trees, mosses, lichens, ferns, and liverworts. It felt like stepping back in time in an ancient land.

The Ariundle woods were magical and it was the perfect day out. We were so mesmerised that we visited another temperate rainforest the next day, called Glasdrum Wood National Nature Reserve.

Heaven. Visiting these woodlands felt like such a special experience. Other than a couple of locals, we were mostly alone. For a place as busy as Glencoe, with busloads of tourists stopping here and there, this felt like our own paradise only a short drive away. Walking through these woodlands is a memory I’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Reading about conservation efforts has inspired me to think about what I can do for the environment closer to home. I feel particularly passionate about this one, and I want to dive deeper. And that’s what this challenge is all about really, not just ticking 30 boxes, but finding new passions and pursuing them.

For those interested in learning more about these rainforests, let me know, and I’ll lend you ‘The Lost Rainforests of Britain’ by Guy Shrubsole. I also recommend watching the YouTube video below if you want to learn more.

This new experience was a special one. I’m making progress, and I feel inspired now.

Stay tuned for more,

Kayla