Scotland's rainforest is crucial to tackling climate crisis
It is crucial that we restore and expand Scotland’s Atlantic Rainforests as a core part of our drive to tackle the climate and nature emergencies, says Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess.
Ariane will be tabling amendments to the upcoming Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill which would compel the Scottish Government to set a target date for when Scotland’s rare Atlantic Rainforest must be restored and its size doubled. Only a fraction of this precious habitat still exists in fragments along Scotland’s west coast.
Some estimates suggest that as little as 30,000 hectares of Scotland's rainforest remain. According to the National Trust for Scotland, this is a mere 2% of Scotland’s native woodland cover and only one fifth of the area that has suitable conditions for rainforest.
Ariane said:
“Scotland’s rainforests are natural treasures with a unique mix of plants that have an essential role to play in tackling the climate and nature emergencies that are playing out all around us.
“Our trees and nature are beautiful and iconic, with so many vital species and habitats that can only be found here in Scotland.
“But they have been depleted by centuries of degradation and deforestation and more recently climate change. Woodlands have been lost due to overgrazing by deer as well as from the spread of invasive species, such as rhododendron, which crowd out native plants.
“We badly need to turn things around. By driving forward an ambitious programme of restoration we can work with communities and create big opportunities for forestry and nature-based jobs.
“Our rainforests can serve as the lungs of our nation, but that can’t happen without action. My amendment is about securing that action and urgently working to turn a story of loss into one of renewal.”