Banner photo of cellist Jessica Kerr performing at Glenan Wood by Emma Henderson / Cove Park

In mid-September, we came together at Argyll Beaver Centre, Barrandaimh, and Glenan Community Woodland, Portavadie, to celebrate Argyll’s incredible rainforest and the communities at the heart of efforts to restore this special, yet increasingly rare habitat. Throughout the weekend, activities touched upon the connection between communities and woodlands.

Guided Rainforest Walks

Guided walks through the rainforest revealed the intricate and often hidden wonders of these special places, impacting positively on our physical and mental health. Participants explored some of the finest rainforest habitats in Scotland, learning about the delicate ecosystems, rare plants, fungi and wildlife that call this place home.

               

ACT's Ian Dow gives a guided walk through the ancient rainforest of Glenan Wood, photos by Roxanne Hunt / ACT

Biofluorescence rainforest walks

One of the most talked-about events of the weekend was the biofluorescence rainforest walks led by David from Reveal Nature. As darkness fell, participants ventured into the forest equipped with UV torches to witness an enchanting display of glowing fungi, insects, plants, and other organisms.

   

Cladonia lichen photo by David Atthowe / Reveal Nature      Polypody fern with spores fluorescing and liverwort, photos by Ian Dow / ACT

Forest Bathing Sessions

For those seeking relaxation and a deeper connection with nature, our forest bathing sessions offered a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. Sharon and Kemal led immersive walks through the rainforest, encouraging participants to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak in the forest’s calming energy. The sessions were a perfect reminder of how spending time in nature can reduce stress and boost our overall wellbeing.

   

Forest Bathing in Glenan, photos by Kemal / Haraka Forest Bathing

Communal gathering around the fire

Fireside gatherings provided warmth, shelter, and sustenance—and a touch of midge control! Nic and Bambi hosted communal feasts, serving delicious soup and drop bread on sticks. It was a time for sharing stories, building connections, and embracing the ancient tradition of gathering around a communal fire.

       

Nic stirring soup and drop bread cooking on sticks over the fire at Barrandaimh, photos by Ian Dow  / ACT

Green Woodworking

Paul from Green Aspirations guided participants through traditional woodworking techniques, crafting utilitarian items representative of some of the earliest tools that we would have created from forest resources.

   

Green woodworking at Glenan, photos by Ian Dow / ACT

Immersive Musical Experiences

Throughout the weekend, Henry’s Woodland Orchestra brought the sounds of the rainforest to life. Using instruments crafted from the rainforest and inspired by the surrounding ancient woodlands, attendees participated in a journey back in time, where music in the rainforest would have been commonplace.

   

ACT's CEO Julie in the drum immersion at Barrandaimh, and Henry playing an instrument handcrafted from the rainforest, photos by Ian Dow  / ACT

Art with Cove Park

It was wonderful to see the collaboration with our friends at Cove Park, who commissioned cellist Jessica Kerr to work with local primary schools to compose a new piece of music inspired by their local rainforests. Over the weekend, Jessica provided musical accompaniment playing pieces composed for her project ‘Stories of People and Trees’.

 

Jessica leads a workshop at a local primary school and plays underneath an oak at Glenan, photos by Emma Henderson / Cove Park

A huge thank you!

Our Rainforest Community Network events provided an opportunity for communities to connect to the rainforest and each other. We want to thank everyone who came out and participated, making this celebration of Argyll’s rainforest a memorable success. Whether you joined a walk, crafted a woodland tool, or simply enjoyed the atmosphere, your presence helped bring our rainforest community to life.

As we look to the future, we hope these experiences have inspired you to continue connecting with your rainforest and to join us in protecting this precious habitat.

For those who missed out, don’t worry, there are more opportunities to get involved! We are planning future Rainforest Community Network events, and in the meantime you can visit the event pages of Argyll Beaver Centre and  Glenan Community Woodland to stay updated on upcoming activities and continue exploring Argyll's rainforest.

Find out more about our work to Save Argyll’s Rainforest

With thanks to the generous support of our partners and funders: Creative Carbon Scotland, Conservation International and Cove Park.