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Scotland's Rainforests: Rarer Than the Amazon?
22 May
Summary
- Over 1,100 species discovered in Scotland's West Cowal rainforest.
- Temperate rainforests in Scotland are rarer than tropical equivalents.
- Conservation efforts target deer and rhododendron threats to habitats.
A recent survey on Scotland's West Cowal peninsula has uncovered an astonishing 1,109 species, including glow worms, slime moulds, and rare lichens. This citizen science project, the first of its kind in half a century, aims to understand the vital role of Scotland's rainforests in supporting biodiversity.
These temperate rainforests, estimated at 30,000 hectares by NatureScot, thrive due to high rainfall and mild temperatures. Experts emphasize their global importance, suggesting they are rarer than tropical rainforests like the Amazon. Volunteers are actively contributing to this research using a mobile app to log species and locations.
However, these precious ecosystems face significant threats. Overpopulated deer graze on young saplings, preventing trees from reaching maturity, while invasive rhododendron shrubs aggressively overpower native species. Conservation teams are working year-round to remove rhododendron and allow native woodlands to recover.
Scotland ranks low globally for nature depletion, with a 15% decline in species abundance since 1994. The Natural Environment Bill, passed in January 2026, aims to reverse these losses by setting legally binding targets for habitat restoration, including the vital temperate rainforests.
