By Sarah Scott

Hello! I’m Sarah, and I’m excited to have recently joined ACT as a Rainforest Squad Trainee. I’ve always been motivated to work in the field of practical nature restoration, which led me to study a BSc in Environmental Biology and an MSc in Restoration Ecology. In my previous professional work, I’ve been involved in projects with various UK nature organisations, focusing on peatland restoration, pollinator conservation, and community engagement with schools and landowners.

I developed an interest in photographing fungi over a decade ago, which I still love today. That curiosity is what first sparked my journey into this field, and it’s since grown into a broader passion for nature. In my free time, you’ll also find me foraging, crafting with natural materials, gardening, and kayaking!

Being part of the ACT Rainforest Squad is my first fully practical role. I enjoy being outdoors in some of the more remote parts of Scotland, and the areas we’ve been working in so far, Tayvallich and Carsaig, are just incredible. The views from some of the hilltops that look over the Atlantic Ocean are hard to beat and it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in nature restoration work, particularly focused on Scotland’s temperate rainforests.

   

Forests have always been a big inspiration for me, shaping everything from my career and creativity to my outlook on our connection with nature. Spending time in the forest has a way of leaving a lasting, positive mark and I’m sure many others have felt that too. There are many threats to Scotland’s temperate rainforest, including land-use change, climate change impacts, and invasive species. Since starting my Rainforest Squad trainee role with ACT, we’ve been working on clearing Rhododendron ponticum, an invasive species that spreads quickly and impacts the natural structure of the rainforest ecosystem. Its dense growth hinders the regeneration of native trees and threatens the survival of rare species, including epiphytes that depend on the forest's delicate balance. It’s widely recognised as one of the most harmful non-native species currently threatening Scotland’s biodiversity.

 

One thing that’s stood out straight away is how much collaboration goes into rainforest restoration. Whether it’s working with landowners, community groups, researchers or contractors, it’s very much a team effort. I’ve already had the chance to meet and work alongside so many brilliant people at ACT, each focused on different areas, from peatland restoration to MAKI Pups and volunteering projects. It’s all connected, and that’s what makes it so powerful.

Our Rainforest Squad has a dedicated hub where we meet and prep for the week ahead, it’s great to have a space that’s properly set up with all the tools and kit we need. Speaking of tools, one of the big milestones for me this month was completing my CS30 (Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-cutting) and CS31 (Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm). I’ve already had the chance to put my learning into practice here in Argyll, where all members of the squad team have been using chainsaws in the field to clear Rhododendron ponticum.

   

Before starting the role, I was a complete newbie to chainsaw work, and it’s been empowering to build confidence in using new tools for nature restoration. It feels great to know that what we’re removing with the chainsaws is supporting the rainforest ecosystem, rather than depleting it. The work is rewarding because it’s helping protect and restore the biodiversity that these rainforests are home to.

ACT also has comprehensive mapping of where Rhododendron ponticum is present, which feeds into their long-term plans for managing and restoring rainforest habitats. Protecting the temperate rainforest is crucial, not just because of the rare biodiversity it supports, but also because these forests play a key role in regulating water, capturing carbon, and preserving cultural heritage. They contribute to climate resilience, offering essential ecosystem services that benefit both the environment and local communities.

Landscape-scale restoration requires landscape-scale collaboration and a shift in how we perceive Rhododendron ponticum, moving towards a deeper understanding of its immediate and long-term impacts. It’s been encouraging to see the beginning of that taking place, for example some landowners in the area have also started taking independent initiative to clear Rhododendron ponticum after learning about the work ACT is doing, which shows the importance of partnership and visibility in this kind of work. The restoration works also don’t stop at clearance; there’s ongoing monitoring and research that’s just as important to make to ensure that cleared areas don’t become re-invaded, either by further spread of the existing species or by new invasive threats.

A highlight from my first few weeks was meeting Dr. Oliver Moore, Plantlife’s Lichen and Bryophyte Specialist, who took us on a walk around Loch Barnluasgan and Knapdale Forest. It was a fantastic introduction to how rich and unique these habitats are. The squad spent time photographing and identifying different species which was really fun and inspiring! I’m looking forward to following the data on species that emerge as different areas recover and connect overtime, and contributing by recording species when I’m out in the rainforest.

   

As we move from site to site, other members of the squad will soon be starting the next phase, treating stumps to prevent regrowth. I’m keen to follow the research into how these sites evolve and learn more about what works best for long-term recovery. You can read more about this work in ACT’s Rainforest Restoration Package. I’m also looking forward to future training opportunities like Outdoor First Aid and Herbicide Application.

Getting stuck into ‘Rhody bashing’ has made everything feel more real, it's one thing to read about restoration work, and another to be part of it on the ground. As we go, I hope to keep documenting species and sharing insights from the field, it’s a great way to stay connected to the wider story of rainforest recovery and the biodiversity ACT are working to protect.

 

Read more about our work to Save Argyll's Rainforest.

This project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, NatureScot, and Scottish Forestry. It is part of ACT’s ‘Argyll’s Rainforest, Engaging New Communities’ project, which includes the creation of a native tree nursery and Rainforest Hub in Argyll.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.