Protect Scotland’s Rainforest
What is ancient woodland?
Ancient rainforest woodlands is defined as an area of land where there has been a continuous cover of trees since 1600, if in England and Wales, and since 1750, if in Scotland. These dates relate to the first time when woodland was mapped accurately on maps. In many cases, these woodlands can be linked further back to the original wildwood which developed across Britain after the last Ice Age.
Ancient woodlands and carbon sequestration
Ancient woodlands also play a significant role when it comes to carbon sequestration, as undisturbed ancient woodland soils are excellent carbon stores. Contribute to conserve and restore our ancient woodlands and help reverse the nature crisis.
Ancient woodlands are unique ecosystems
Ancient rainforest woodlands and the wildlife contained within them have co-evolved for thousands of years, creating distinctive and valuable ecosystems that would be impossible to re-create. Each individual ancient tree is an ecosystem in its own right, and supports rich communities of flora, fauna, lichens and fungi.
What are we doing?
The Future Forest Company currently manages a number of sites with ancient woodland, we are protecting a special area of rainforest at Glenaros. We are protecting ancient woodland at Dumyat and at our Brisbane Mains site.
We have our own in-house Ecologist, Forestry and Arboriculture professionals who manage these areas and who are currently carrying out site surveys and planning to ensure we do things right. All our work will involve regular monitoring to judge whether our approaches are successful or not. This will include monitoring of key species like rare lichens. Subscribe to support our work and protect Scotland’s rainforest and ancient woodlands today.
Atlantic Hazelwood Rainforest at Glenaros
At Glenaros, we have significant areas of the very special Atlantic Hazelwood. We have just started to manage these places and monitor their condition. We have identified that all have been subject to overgrazing, with little new regeneration, and need help if future generations are to experience and enjoy them. We plan to control invasive species, such as rhododendron growing nearby, to stop them invading our woodlands. Subscribe to help protect Scotland’s rainforest and ancient woodlands today.
What is the current situation?
Sadly, Britain has lost almost half of its ancient woodland since the 1930s, largely by conversion to conifer plantation or clearance for agriculture, and what remains of our rich heritage of ancient woodland is still under threat. Over the last 21 years, at least 981 ancient woods have been permanently lost or damaged, and today, over 1,225 ancient woods across the UK are still under threat from development. Only 2.5% of Britain is now covered by ancient woodland.
Climate Change and Ancient Woodland
Climate change will have a dramatic impact on our ancient woodland. Some species may be able to adapt to changing conditions such as higher temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and increases in drought and storm frequency, but many ancient woodland species and habitats will be unable to cope and could disappear altogether.
Why are we losing our Ancient Woodland?
Planning regulations and legislation contain many legal loopholes, meaning that ancient woodland is still being legally destroyed, and 85 per cent of ancient woodland has no legal protection at all.
Threats to Ancient Woodland
An increasing number of tree diseases and insect pests affect tree health. High numbers of deer prevent new saplings from establishing and can impact woodland ground flora. Invasive non-native species, like rhododendrons, can be catastrophic to our ancient woodlands.
What can you do?
Subscribe today to help conserve and restore Scotland’s rainforest and ancient woodlands. By choosing the nature restoration sponsorship, you’ll be helping to heal the planet, conserving and restoring some of our rarest habitat and its wildlife, benefitting future generations who may not otherwise experience these special places and helping to conserve these vital ecosystems.
