Bid to restore rare Atlantic rainforest secures £6m lottery grant

A significant financial bid to restore the rare Atlantic rainforest has secured a £6 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The five-year initiative, titled Our Rainforest Futures, aims to protect approximately 75,000 acres of rain-soaked woodlands along Scotland's west coast, which are internationally recognized for their unique oceanic plant life.

A £6 million grant will support a five-year project to restore Scotland's rare Atlantic rainforest.

Project hubs and community involvement

The funding will facilitate the establishment of three regional hubs located in Torridon, Morvern, and mid-Argyll. These centers are designed to foster community engagement and provide training in critical conservation skills, including habitat restoration, deer management, and the removal of invasive species. The Torridon hub will serve residents in Kinlochewe, Shieldaig, Lochcarron, Applecross, and Gairloch. The Morvern hub will support areas such as Lochaline, Strontian, and Tobermory, while the mid-Argyll hub will include Crinan, Tayvallich, Lochgilphead, Ardrishaig, and Tarbert.

According to Julie Stoneman, the Saving Scotland's Rainforest Programme manager at Plantlife, the project is expected to create over 20 jobs and 15 trainee positions. The initiative is led by the Woodland Trust Scotland in partnership with the Alliance for Scotland's Rainforest, which includes the Argyll Countryside Trust, Community Woodlands Association, Plantlife, RSPB Scotland, and SRUC.

Environmental significance and threats

The Atlantic rainforest is a vital habitat for hundreds of species, ranging from rare lichens and slime moulds to glow worms. However, the ecosystem faces ongoing threats from disease, invasive plant species, and overgrazing by livestock and deer. Caroline Clark, Scotland director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, highlighted that while the forest is internationally significant, it remains largely unknown to the public. A 2025 survey indicated that fewer than one in three people are aware of its existence. Clark noted that this investment recognizes the deep connection between the health of the rainforest and the future of local west coast communities.

Why it matters

This project represents a major effort to preserve a globally rare habitat while simultaneously providing economic opportunities for local communities. By training residents in conservation work, the initiative aims to ensure both the environment and the local population can thrive together.