This event is now fully booked. 

A new Argyll event will explore how to assess the condition of and manage temperate rainforest in Scotland, led by expert Dr Oliver Moore from Plantlife’s Saving Scotland’s Rainforest project. 

ACT is supporting this event, which is organised by Argyll Small Woods Cooperative, that aims to carry out a broad assessment of the condition of temperate rainforest habitat and consider management options. Using the latest version of Plantlife’s Rapid Rainforest Assessment (RRA) tool, participants will learn what a healthy temperate rainforest looks like by getting up close with key rainforest biodiversity, including internationally important bryophytes and lichens.  

About the event

Where: Glenan Woods, by Portavadie, Argyll

When: 10am to 3pm, Saturday 14 October

Book on Eventbrite here.

The event will include

• What a temperate rainforest is. 
• How to use the Rapid Rainforest Assessment Tool (RRA).
• Visit to two examples of temperate rainforest to carry out an RRA, look at key rainforest indicators and discuss restoration management options.
• Lunch, which is provided
• A chance to ask questions.

Dr Oliver Moore is a keen naturalist who specialises in bryophytes and lichens. He works for Plantlife on the Saving Scotland’s Rainforest project. Through his role, Oliver endeavours to put bryophytes and lichens at the heart of temperate rainforest management. He previously as a botanist and senior ecologist across Scotland and as a Lecturer in applied ecology. 

Building a community

Ian Dow, ACT woodland coordinator, comments on the new event: “We’re pleased to support this event and help more people gain the skills and knowledge to recognise temperate rainforest here in Argyll. By increasing our local knowledge of temperate rainforests, we’re growing the community of people who can recognise the importance of protecting this unique and special habitat.”

The group will explore examples of Scottish rainforest at Glenan Woods, a fine example of ancient oak woodland, thanks to the Friends of Glenan Woods. Glenan Woods cover 146 hectares of ancient woodland on Argyll’s Secret Coast on the Cowal peninsula. Rare lichens, mosses and ferns thrive in this woodland, which also supports diverse animal life such as owls, pine martens, adders and bats. 

Lichens and bryophytes at Glenan Wood, by Ian Dow

A collaborative event

This event is organised by Argyll Small Woods Cooperative and is supported by Argyll and the Isles Countryside Trust and Plantlife. This event is funded by the Woodland Trust

We work as part of the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest, a voluntary partnership of more than 25 organisations all committed to collaborative action for the benefit of the rainforest.