Restoring Britain’s Temperate Rainforests
Be a Part of a Journey Through Time and Renewal
It is probably a shameful admission, but I hadn’t thought much about Britain having rainforests before I read Guy Shrubsole’s book, The Lost Rainforests of Britain. It is one of those books that changes how you feel, and makes you want to become part of the movement.
Nestled along Britain’s western shores, temperate rainforests, sometimes called Atlantic or Celtic rainforests, are emerald havens of moss-draped oaks, ferns, and lichens thriving in a world of mist and moisture. These rare ecosystems, shaped by heavy rainfall and mild climates, once stretched across vast swathes of the British Isles (Coppins & Coppins, 2012). Today, they survive in fragmented pockets, yet their story is one of deep cultural significance, ecological wonder, and a hopeful resurgence driven by modern conservation efforts.
And it is a regenerative journey all of us can play a part in.
Ancestral Connections and Uses
To our ancestors, temperate rainforests were more than landscapes; they were life-giving realms woven into the fabric of existence. For ancient Celtic peoples, these woodlands were sacred, their gnarled oaks and hazels seen as gateways to the divine. Druids held rituals beneath their canopies, believing the trees housed spirits and wisdom (Hutton, 2009). Place names like “Derwent” (meaning “abounding in oaks”) hint at their cultural weight, with oaks symbolizing strength and eternity (Rackham, 2014).
The rainforests provided practical sustenance too. Communities harvested timber for shelter and fuel, crafting homes and tools from sturdy oak and ash. Hazel rods were woven into baskets and fences, while birch bark served as kindling (Rackham, 2014). Food was abundant: wild boar roamed the undergrowth, offering meat, while hazelnuts, berries like bilberries, and edible fungi nourished families (Mabey, 1996). Streams teeming with fish added to the bounty.
Medicinally, the rainforest was a living pharmacy. Willow bark, rich in salicin, eased pain and fevers, a precursor to modern aspirin (Hedley & Shaw, 1996). Nettles were brewed into teas for vitality, and certain mosses and lichens treated wounds due to their antiseptic properties (Coppins & Coppins, 2012). Knowledge of these remedies, passed down through generations, reflected an intimate bond with the land.
Livelihoods revolved around the forest’s gifts. Charcoal burners transformed wood into fuel for smelting, while tanners used oak bark to cure leather (Rackham, 2014). Coppicing, cutting trees to encourage regrowth, sustained supplies of poles and firewood, a practice that balanced human needs with nature’s resilience (Peterken, 1993). These woodlands were communal hubs, where stories were shared and skills honed.
Foraging remains popular, among those who know what they’re doing.
Myths and Legends
The rainforests’ ethereal beauty has inspired a rich tapestry of myths. These are stories with deep resonance in British culture and folklore. They are deep within our psyche.
In Dartmoor’s Wistman’s Wood, twisted oaks were said to be haunted by spectral hounds or the spirits of ancient hunters (Westwood & Simpson, 2005). Welsh tales spoke of the “green man,” a forest deity embodying nature’s cycle of death and rebirth (Matthews, 2001). In Scotland, rainforests birthed legends of pixies and faeries, their mossy glades seen as portals to otherworldly realms. These stories, rooted in the landscape’s mystery, kept cultural reverence for the forests alive, even as their physical presence waned.
If you spend time in the rainforests, you become absorbed by an almost cerebral atmosphere. You can almost hear those hounds, see the green man, feel the presence of the faeries. Well, almost!
Decline of a Rare Habitat
Once covering up to a fifth of Britain, temperate rainforests have dwindled to less than 1% of the land (Coppins & Coppins, 2012). Their decline began in the Bronze Age, as early farmers cleared trees for crops and grazing (Rackham, 2014). Medieval demand for timber intensified the loss, with oaks felled for shipbuilding and charcoal.
For all the benefits it brought us, the Industrial Revolution accelerated deforestation, as land was repurposed for agriculture and urban growth. In the 20th century, government policies replaced native woodlands with fast-growing conifer plantations, often smothering rainforest fragments (Peterken, 1993). Overgrazing by sheep and deer prevented regeneration, while invasive species like rhododendron choked native flora (Shrubsole, 2022).
For the forests the result was catastrophic: habitats vanished, and with them, biodiversity. Rare lichens, like the globally scarce lungwort, clung to shrinking refuges (Coppins & Coppins, 2012). Birds such as the pied flycatcher and mammals like the pine marten lost breeding grounds (Shrubsole, 2022). The cultural loss was equally profound, fewer forests meant fewer stories, fewer connections to ancestral ways.
Growing up, and absorbing every Ladybird book on nature, the loss of birds, mammals, and to some extent butterflies became an obsession. The only pine martin I saw was in Edinburgh Zoo. To me it was more of a big deal than the lions, king penguins and polar bears.
Forestry was a word we would hear a lot. But forestry largely meant large scale plantations of Sitka spruce and the like, fast growing non-native trees that grown as a monoculture did nothing for native wildlife. On our regular journeys from our home in Lanarkshire to my dad’s side of the family in Cumberland, we would see them sprawling over rolling Scottish hillsides.
A Champion for Restoration
Enter Guy Shrubsole, an environmental campaigner whose passion has reignited hope for Britain’s rainforests. Through his book The Lost Rainforests of Britain and accompanying campaign, Shrubsole has mapped surviving fragments, revealing their extent and fragility (Shrubsole, 2022).
His crowdsourced maps, built with public submissions, show that 20% of Britain’s climate suits temperate rainforests, yet only a fraction remains. Shrubsole advocates for doubling their area within a generation, not through mass planting but by allowing natural regeneration, letting forests expand where grazing is controlled and invasives are removed. His work has spurred government pledges, like the £30 million Big Nature Impact Fund, though he cautions that funding must translate into action (Shrubsole, 2022).
I feel I can’t continue without sharing a small confession, and I know it is going to sound sentimental. As you get towards the end of the book, Shrubsole’s disdain for the destructive impact of grazing sheep and deer of forest regeneration becomes clear, and his solutions pretty drastic.
I’m from a sheep farming extended family and intuitively want sheep farmers to have a livelihood. I also love the calming effect of deer as they appear and disappear in the forest. I know that the argument is that deer numbers are too high, and that their grazing patterns are different from nature as there are no natural predators to keep them moving on.
It’s probably naïve, but I’d love to see the regeneration of the forests happen through protected areas, while farmers are still able to farm, and deer graze without fear. I said it was sentimental!
The Modern Meaning and Benefits
Today temperate rainforests are ecological treasures and cultural touchstones, important symbols of our living history and identity. They host dazzling biodiversity, hazel gloves fungus, chequered skipper butterflies, and rare mosses thrive in their damp embrace (Coppins & Coppins, 2012). These ecosystems rival Andean cloud forests in species richness, giving Britain a global duty to protect them.
They also combat climate change, with trees and soils locking away carbon (Shrubsole, 2022). Something they have always done as natural systems working away, cleaning the air, without the need for headlines and fanfare. Their dense canopies slow floodwaters, protecting downstream communities, while their beauty draws hikers and artists, boosting mental health and local economies (Natural England, 2023). Natural methods of carbon capture don’t require large investments, and work away naturally.
Beyond utility, rainforests reconnect us to a wilder Britain. Standing in a moss-clad gorge feels like stepping into a forgotten Eden, stirring a primal sense of belonging. They remind us that nature’s resilience can mirror our own, given a chance.
They give us our strength back, they clear our minds, they enable us to breathe pure air. They remind us of who we were and who we are.
Why Communities Should Help the Rainforests Grow
Restoring temperate rainforests is a shared mission. As individuals we can support groups like the Woodland Trust or Plantlife, which fund regeneration projects (Woodland Trust, 2023). Volunteering to clear rhododendron or plant native species makes a tangible difference.
Landowners can join schemes like Countryside Stewardship, which rewards habitat restoration (Natural England, 2023). Reducing grazing pressure, by fencing off areas or rethinking livestock, allows saplings to flourish. Even small acts, like sharing Shrubsole’s maps or visiting sites like Borrowdale’s new National Nature Reserve, raise awareness.
On a broader scale, advocating for policies that prioritize native woodlands over conifer monocultures is crucial. Supporting Shrubsole’s call for a national rainforest strategy could ensure long-term protection (Shrubsole, 2022). Nature proves it can rebound in areas where grazing has eased, rainforests are creeping back, saplings rising from once-barren slopes.
The restoration of Britain’s temperate rainforests, primarily found in areas like the west coast of Scotland, Wales, and parts of southwest England, can significantly enhance local biodiversity, benefiting both ecosystems and communities. These lush woodlands, characterized by high rainfall and rich mosses, lichens, and ferns, are home to unique species such as rare bats, pine martens, and numerous invertebrates.
By restoring degraded rainforest patches, communities can foster thriving habitats that support pollinators vital for local agriculture, improve soil health, and regulate water cycles, reducing flood risks in nearby settlements. Moreover, healthy ecosystems attract ecotourism, providing economic opportunities through guided tours, wildlife watching, and sustainable hospitality, which can bolster local businesses and create jobs in rural areas.
Beyond ecological and economic gains, temperate rainforest restoration can strengthen community well-being and cultural ties. These forests offer serene spaces for recreation, mental health retreats, and educational programs, fostering a deeper connection to nature among residents, especially younger generations. Community-led restoration projects, such as tree planting or invasive species removal, encourage collaboration and shared purpose, building social cohesion.
In areas with Celtic heritage, rainforests hold historical significance, often tied to folklore and traditional land use; reviving them can reinforce cultural identity and pride, giving communities a sense of stewardship over their natural heritage while preserving it for future generations.
Restoration also contributes to climate resilience, a critical benefit for communities facing environmental challenges. Temperate rainforests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 and mitigating climate change impacts, which is vital for regions vulnerable to extreme weather. Their dense canopies and root systems stabilize slopes, reducing landslides, a growing concern in Britain’s wetter regions.
By integrating restoration into local planning, communities can secure long-term environmental stability, lower maintenance costs for infrastructure like flood defenses, and enhance their reputation as sustainable places to live and visit. Engaging schools, volunteers, and local councils in these efforts ensures widespread buy-in, embedding a culture of conservation that aligns with broader national goals for net-zero emissions.
A Hopeful Future
Britain’s temperate rainforests are relics of a greener past, but are also beacons for a wilder future. They sustained our ancestors, inspired their myths, and now challenge us to restore what was lost. They are no longer forgotten. By valuing their ecological and cultural gifts, we can help them grow, not just for nature, but for ourselves, reclaiming a piece of Britain’s soul one mossy oak at a time.
Will yours be the next voice for the rainforests? You can play a part in this journey through time and renewal. First of all, if you can, get yourself out among nature. If you have access to a rainforest, find a few moments to stand in the middle of it, close your eyes, and breathe in the pure, damp air.
Restoring Britain’s temperate rainforests, which are rare and ecologically vital habitats found in areas like western Scotland, Wales, and parts of southwest England, involves collective effort and practical steps. Here are simple actions individuals can take to contribute:
Plant Native Trees: Support or participate in local tree-planting initiatives that focus on native species like oak, birch, hazel, and rowan, which are key to rainforest ecosystems. Avoid non-native species that can disrupt biodiversity. Check with organizations like the Woodland Trust for guidance or local projects.
Support Conservation Groups: Donate to or volunteer with charities and trusts working to restore these habitats, such as Plantlife, RSPB, or local wildlife trusts. Even small contributions or a few hours of time can help fund land purchases or restoration work.
Reduce Land Pressure: Advocate for sustainable land use by supporting campaigns to limit overgrazing by livestock or deer, which prevents sapling growth. You can write to local MPs or join community discussions to push for better land management policies.
Spread Awareness: Share information about temperate rainforests on social media or in community groups to educate others. Highlight their importance, how they store carbon, support rare species like lichens and mosses, and regulate water flow.
Avoid Disturbance: When visiting these areas, stick to marked paths to avoid damaging sensitive plants like ferns or bryophytes. Encourage others to respect these habitats by not littering or removing plants.
Create Wildlife-Friendly Gardens: If you have a garden, mimic rainforest conditions by planting native shrubs, leaving deadwood for fungi, or creating damp, shady spots to support similar biodiversity at home.
These actions don’t require expertise and can fit into everyday life.
References
Coppins, A. M., & Coppins, B. J. (2012). Atlantic hazel: Scotland’s special woodlands. Atlantic Hazel Action Group.
Hedley, C., & Shaw, N. (1996). Herbal remedies: A practical guide to their use. Parragon.
Hutton, R. (2009). Blood and mistletoe: The history of the Druids in Britain. Yale University Press.
Mabey, R. (1996). Flora Britannica. Sinclair-Stevenson.
Matthews, J. (2001). The green man: Spirit of nature. Connections Book Publishing.
Natural England. (2023). Countryside stewardship: Higher tier manual. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-higher-tier-manual
Peterken, G. F. (1993). Woodland conservation and management (2nd ed.). Chapman & Hall.
Rackham, O. (2014). Trees and woodland in the British landscape: The complete history of Britain’s trees, woods, and hedgerows. Phoenix Press.
Shrubsole, G. (2022). The lost rainforests of Britain. William Collins.
Westwood, J., & Simpson, J. (2005). The lore of the land: A guide to England’s legends. Penguin Books.
Woodland Trust. (2023). Our vision for woods and trees. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/
Footnotes
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My latest book, Delivering Social Value in Urban Development, a collected series of essays, is published through Kindle Direct Publishing and available on most Amazon portals.