A five-year initiative to restore Scotland's rare Atlantic rainforest has been awarded nearly £6m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. According to BBC News, the funding will establish three community hubs across the west coast to coordinate habitat restoration, wildlife management and invasive species control.
The Our Rainforest Futures project will operate hubs in Torridon, Morvern and mid-Argyll, engaging local residents in conservation work. The National reports that the £5.98m National Lottery Heritage Fund award represents 72% of the project's total £8.3m budget, with additional support from NatureScot and players of the Postcode Lottery.
Scotland's Atlantic rainforest spans approximately 75,000 acres (30,351 hectares) of moisture-rich woodlands on the west coast, designated for their rare oceanic plant communities. The forest harbours hundreds of species including glow worms, slime moulds and rare lichens. A previous survey of Scotland's West Coyal peninsula identified 1,109 species, underscoring the ecological importance of these woodlands.
What threats does the rainforest face?
Overgrazing by deer and livestock, invasive plant species and disease pose significant threats to surviving woodland areas. The rainforest remains largely unknown to the Scottish public, with a 2025 survey finding that fewer than one in three people are aware of its existence.
How will the project support communities?
Local people will receive training and employment opportunities centred on habitat restoration, deer management and removal of invasive species. The Herald Scotland notes that the project plans to offer accredited and informal training in ecological surveying, as well as deer management and invasive-species removal, and provide grants and advice for community-led projects. Julie Stoneman, Saving Scotland's Rainforest Programme manager at the charity Plantlife, said the initiative was hoped to create more than 20 jobs and 15 trainee posts.
The Torridon hub will involve communities in Kinlochewe, Shieldaig, Lochcarron, Applecross and Gairloch. In Morvern, the project will include Lochaline, Strontian and Tobermory in Mull. Mid-Argyll's hub will engage communities in Crinan, Tayvallich, Lochgilphead, Ardrishaig and Tarbert.
Who is leading the restoration effort?
The Our Rainforest Futures project is an Alliance for Scotland's Rainforest initiative led by the Woodland Trust Scotland. Partner organisations include Argyll Countryside Trust, Community Woodlands Association, Plantlife, RSPB Scotland and SRUC.
Caroline Clark, Scotland director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, stated that the investment recognised the interconnection between the rainforest's future and the prosperity of west coast communities.
This major investment, using funds raised by National Lottery players, recognises that the future of our rainforest and the future of many west coast communities are closely linked. With the right support, both can thrive.
What progress has been made so far?
Restoration efforts have already begun across the region. Scottish Government figures indicate that more than 1,200 hectares of degraded rainforest habitat are on the road to recovery, following nearly £5m invested in restoration since 2023. Since 2015, Scottish Forestry has committed £6m to managing existing native woodlands in the rainforest zone, while NatureScot has invested nearly £4m in rainforest restoration through its Nature Restoration Fund since May 2021.
Torridon itself has recently been recognised for its conservation value, having been named Scotland's newest national nature reserve following approval of the National Trust for Scotland's application.
What happens next?
The project's five-year delivery phase is estimated to begin in late 2026, following a two-year development phase. This timeline will allow the three hubs to establish their operations and begin implementing habitat restoration and community engagement programmes across the designated rainforest areas.
