We’re rising to the challenge of rainforest restoration from multiple angles and are thrilled to be assembling a team that’s more than up to the task! Pictured above at our Rainforest Hub are (L-R) Penelope Rushin, Oliver Mackenzie, Johanna Little, Keith Potter, Heather Morrison, and Jane Gibson. 

ACT’s Rainforest Squad is officially on the ground! Led by experienced Squad Supervisor Keith, and joined by enthusiastic Trainees Johanna, Penelope, and Oliver, the team has hit the ground running. In just a few short weeks, they’ve immersed themselves in ACT’s habitat restoration projects, already getting hands-on at rainforest restoration sites across Mid-Argyll.

“I’m excited to be part of the new Rainforest Squad and to play a pivotal role in leading the rainforest restoration efforts currently underway,” said Keith. “I hope that the small part the Squad and I are playing in this work will halt the decline of the rainforest habitat in our area and help to turn the tide on the spread of rhododendron.”

The Trainees won’t just be restoring rainforest, they’ll also be gaining valuable skills and qualifications along the way. From hands-on practical tasks to working with volunteers and engaging local communities, they’ll have countless opportunities to learn the ropes of habitat restoration and make a real impact on Argyll’s rainforest.

Joining the Squad is Jane, our Farm and Croft Woodland Advisor, who has been working with agricultural landholders across the region on rainforest matters for the past few months. Our newest recruit is Heather, ACT's Rainforest Volunteer Development Co-ordinator, who will be working across Scotland’s rainforest zone alongside the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest partners.

Julie Young, ACT’s CEO, said: “We understand the importance of every aspect of rainforest restoration – from practical rhoddy-bashing, to supporting landowners who may be unsure of how rainforest restoration could impact their farms and livelihoods, and engaging with communities and visitors eager to get involved in this incredible asset we have right on our doorstep. With the support of our funders, we’ve been able to pull together a team with a broad range of skills to lead the way in our campaign to save Argyll’s Rainforest.”

Read more about our work to Save Argyll’s Rainforest

The smiling faces of our team represent months of preparation, made possible by the generous support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Scottish Forestry, NatureScot, and the Nature Restoration Fund. These new recruits form part of ACT’s ambitious ‘Argyll’s Rainforest, Engaging New Communities’ initiative. In addition to supporting the Squad, this initiative will launch a native tree nursery and establish a dedicated Rainforest Hub in Argyll, a game-changer for habitat restoration in the region.