Reviving the Atlantic Rainforest on the West Coast of Scotland
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Imagine if we could ...
🌲Restore healthy examples of the temperate rainforest ecosystems with their full complement of species - all age classes of native trees. All their essential ecosystems processes functioning fully, and with all invasive non-native species removed - at Glenuig and other sites in Moidart. 🌲 Rewild human relationships by welcoming the spirit of the rainforest to guide the human activities and processes. Enabling the rainforest to have a foothold on the barren landscapes both within the human psyche and on the land. Where the rainforest gains a roothold, the land rejuvenates and desertified inner landscapes of human beings become lush again. Our ProgrammesCommunity and Rainforest Engagement Weeks (CREW)
Our CREW programme offers opportunities for external engagement with nature and direct action, as well as internal reflection and stillness. We will be engaging with the community in Glenuig, Moidart on the west coast of Scotland to revive the Atlantic Rainforest. A tiny remnant of the ancient oak woodland still stands here. However this fragile ecosystem is endangered by two threats: overgrazing by deer and invasive non-native rhododendrons. To catalyse the return of the Atlantic Rainforest, Trees for Hope is engaging with the community to assist in their efforts to create the conditions for a vibrant ecosystem to exist. In our weeks, our work is concentrated on removing rhododendrons and building tree-guards to protect the young saplings in the forest. As well as external rewilding activities, each participant will have opportunities to harmonise with nature. A greater sense of interconnection with nature and community may be realised when we engage to help nature and ourselves recover from damages of the past, and turn towards our sense of wholeness. Please come mentally and physically prepared. Appropriate clothing for physical work outdoors is essential. We intend our weeks of engagement to be efficient, fun, and fulfilling. We hope our weeks will spark new connections and encourage growth. By engaging with nature, communities, and people from other parts of the world, we are creating opportunities for connection, exploration, and seeing with new eyes. What can you expect from this week?
CREW Reports
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* Moidart in the West Coast of Scotland
is part of the remote and isolated area of Scotland, west of Fort William, known as the Rough Bounds. Moidart itself is almost surrounded by bodies of water. Loch Shiel cuts off the eastern boundary of the district (along a south-south-west to north-north-east line) and continues along part of the southern edge. The remainder of the southern edge is cut off by Loch Moidart. The north is cut off by Loch Morar and Loch Ailort. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moidart)
Fungus (Lindtneria trachyspora) in the Glenuig Rainforest. Sept., 2025, (second record for this species in Scotland ).
Photos by Alan Watson Featherstone
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| crew_report_june_2024_trees_for_hope_ii_compressed.pdf |
Other Relevant Resources
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| strategic_approach_to_restoring_and_expanding_scotland’s_rainforest_-_final_2024.pdf |
| sra_community_rewilding_guide_english_digital.pdf |