What is the Scottish government doing to protect its temperate rainforests?

The Scottish government is providing over £3 million in funding to help protect and restore the country's temperate rainforests, which are home to rare mosses and lichens.

How much land has Forestry and Land Scotland already restored in the rainforest zone?

Forestry and Land Scotland has already restored more than 2,650 hectares of rainforest since 2023.

What is the primary goal of the Scottish government's rainforest conservation efforts?

The funding will help the Scottish government reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2045 by protecting these forests, which can capture up to one million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

Home / Environment / Scotland Secures £3M to Protect and Restore Temperate Rainforests

Scotland Secures £3M to Protect and Restore Temperate Rainforests

2 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Scotland has some of the best remaining rainforest sites in Europe
£3 million in government funding to help remove invasive rhododendrons
Forestry and Land Scotland has already restored over 2,650 hectares since 2023

Scotland Secures £3M to Protect and Restore Temperate Rainforests

The Scottish government is taking significant steps to protect and restore the country's temperate rainforests, which are considered some of the best remaining in Europe. Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon recently announced over £3 million in government funding to support these conservation efforts.

The funding will be used to help remove rhododendrons, a non-native invasive species, from 1,350 hectares of woodland. It will also support the restoration of plantations on ancient woodland sites and measures to control deer populations, which can damage young trees and other plants.

Forestry and Land Scotland has already made impressive progress, restoring more than 2,650 hectares of rainforest since 2023. The additional £3 million in government funding will allow this important work to "go further, faster," according to Gougeon.