Rainforest SOS.. here in Scotland
Charity warns native woods at risk from climate change
the UK’s rainforests are nearing crisis point, with Scotland’s at particular risk. The Trust’s State of the UK’s Woods and Trees 2021 report said the area was “as important as tropical rainforest, but even rarer”.
Native woods and trees help curb carbon emissions and reverse declines in wildlife. And failing to address the problems they face will undermine efforts to tackle the climate and nature crises, the charity warned.
It said the impact of climate change on woodland life cycles, pests, diseases, pollution and the slow rate of woodland expansion could be a “multiple whammy” for wildlife. Malcolm told how the insectrich habitat at the Ben Shieldaig Estate rainforest attracts migrant birds such as pied flycatchers, wood warblers and redstarts. The rare, chequered skipper butterfly is also only found here. He explained how the mosses and liverworts – tiny plants that produce spores instead of flowers and seeds – play a hugely important role in the health of our environment. He said: “Scotland is home to nearly 1000 different types of these plants which grow on the woodland floor and on tree branches. Some are not found anywhere else in the world.
“They provide homes to tiny creatures and together they also act as a giant sponge, slowing the flow of rain into burns and rivers, and helping protect against flash floods.”
As well as the threat from climate change, about 40 per cent of the rainforest is suffering high or very high levels of grazing, largely due to deer. Invasive rhododendron is also found in 40 per cent of rainforest, threatening to choke the woodland.
But the Woodland Trust said “it is not too late to take action”. Together with Plantlife, it leads The Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest, which hopes to address the threats, as well as working with landowners to restore and expand woodlands.
Abi Bunker, director of conservation and external affairs for the Woodland Trust, said: “The warning signs are loud and clear.
“If we don’t tackle the threats that are facing our woods and trees, we will severely damage the UK’s ability to address the climate and nature crises.
“Our wildlife havens are suffering and we are storing up problems for future generations.”