Scotland’s Temperate Rainforest Revival, £10M Investment to Restore a Rare Ecosystem
Scotland is leading the charge in rainforest restoration, with a total investment of £10 million from the Scottish Government dedicated to breathing life back into this rare and precious ecosystem. Since 2023, the government has invested £5 million to support ongoing efforts, with an additional £5 million allocated in the 2025/26 budget.
The initiative is part of a bold plan to restore over 1,200 hectares of coastal temperate rainforest, an ecosystem that is as ecologically valuable as the Amazon but far rarer. Found only in a few parts of the world, including Scotland’s rugged west coast, these rainforests are home to unique biodiversity, including mosses, lichens, and rare fungi.
The restoration work aims to address the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, with the government framing the effort as vital to Scotland’s net-zero commitments and its broader environmental strategy.
When most people think of rainforests, images of tropical Amazonian canopies come to mind. But Scotland is home to its own version, the coastal temperate rainforest. This rare ecosystem is characterised by high levels of rainfall and unique biodiversity, such as rare lichens, mosses, and fungi, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
The problem? These rainforests have been severely degraded due to invasive species, such as rhododendron ponticum, and overgrazing by deer. Left unchecked, these threats suffocate native flora and leave rainforests in poor health.
By committing to restore Scotland's rainforest, the government is not only preserving natural heritage but also supporting its climate goals. Coastal temperate rainforests act as effective carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which plays a crucial role in the fight against global warming.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon reinforced the importance of these efforts, stating:
“Protecting our rainforests is essential to tackling our biodiversity crisis but is also an important step in helping Scotland on its journey to net zero by 2045.”
The Scottish Government has outlined a clear action plan for how the funding will be used. The main objectives are to restore habitats, boost biodiversity, and create jobs in conservation. Here’s how they plan to achieve it:
Clearing Invasive Species
The biggest threat to Scotland’s rainforest is rhododendron ponticum, an invasive species that chokes out native plants and prevents new growth. Funds will be used to eradicate rhododendron and regenerate native conifers.
Local contractors and apprentices will be brought in to support the removal process.
Restoring Rainforest Habitats
Sites like Loch Arkaig are being targeted for reforestation, including the restoration of Caledonian pine forests.
The Knapdale rainforest is another key site, with plans to restore 2,000 hectares in partnership with organisations like Forestry Land Scotland, Argyll Countryside Trust, and the Woodland Trust.
Increasing Apprenticeships and Jobs
Over the past two years, 16 contracts worth £2 million have been awarded to rural SMEs on Scotland’s west coast.
Five apprenticeships have already been created, with more expected as projects ramp up. The government has highlighted the potential for job creation and skills development as an important outcome of this funding.
Investing in Forest Management
A portion of the funding will be used to manage and maintain Scotland’s existing forests, focusing on natural regeneration and deer management to reduce overgrazing.
Partnerships and Collaboration
The restoration is a team effort, involving key players such as Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), Argyll Countryside Trust, and the Woodland Trust.
Forestry Land Scotland (FLS) manages one-third of Scotland’s temperate rainforest and has 20 years of experience in this area. Their expertise will be essential in ensuring success.
The potential benefits of this initiative go beyond environmental gains. By investing in nature restoration, the Scottish Government is creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and promoting eco-tourism. Here's how:
Job Creation: Local SMEs and contractors are being hired to carry out restoration work. As the sector grows, it will provide long-term employment in forestry and conservation.
Apprenticeships and Skills: The project is creating opportunities for young people to learn about nature restoration and forestry, ensuring a new generation of skilled workers for the industry.
Rural Economic Boost: By supporting rural businesses and local suppliers, the initiative helps to stimulate the local economy.
From an environmental perspective, the restoration will reduce Scotland’s carbon footprint. By supporting natural carbon sequestration in forests, Scotland is inching closer to its net-zero target of 2045.
While the £10 million investment is being widely praised, some experts argue that more is needed. Critics point out that large-scale restoration requires long-term financial commitment and sustained political will.
For context, the Amazon Rainforest Restoration Fund receives billions of pounds in support. Scotland’s £10 million, while impressive, is a drop in the ocean compared to global efforts.
Another challenge is that rainforest restoration is a slow process. Forests that have been degraded for decades cannot be revived overnight. It could take several years, or even decades, to see the full impact of these investments.
There is also a question of accountability and transparency. How will the public be able to track where the funds are spent? How will progress be measured? The government has promised regular reports, but many are calling for more public scrutiny and accountability.
The restoration of Scotland’s coastal temperate rainforests is a bold and necessary step in tackling both the biodiversity crisis and the climate emergency. By putting £10 million on the table, the Scottish Government is backing up its net-zero pledges with real action.
The project is also a win for local communities, with new jobs, apprenticeships, and opportunities for rural businesses. But while this funding is a significant start, it’s only the beginning of a much larger challenge. Coastal temperate rainforests take time to regenerate, and without sustained investment, progress could stall.
Still, the initiative deserves praise. It’s a reminder that, even in the face of global environmental challenges, local action matters. Scotland's rainforests may be small compared to the Amazon, but their impact could be significant.
