This summer (2025), our client is conducting ground truthing surveys to verify the existence of rainforest habitat in the project area and evaluate its condition. RSK Biocensus secured the survey contract following a competitive tender process. This contract is financed by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund development phase funding, which is managed by NatureScot. The RSK Biocensus ecology team, under the leadership of Julie Smith, is utilising ASR’s Rapid Rainforest Assessment to assess habitat quality and suggest management measures aimed at enhancing the condition of the rainforest habitat.
This thrilling initiative, spearheaded by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority (NPA), aims to safeguard and enhance the rainforest of Loch Lomond – a vital natural resource in addressing the dual challenges of biodiversity loss and the climate crisis.
The goal of protecting and restoring native woodlands is highlighted in the National Park Partnership Plan, which details the necessary actions to be taken over the next five years to create transformative change and ensure a bright future for the National Park. Over 7% of Scotland’s rainforest is situated within the national park, with the majority found around Loch Lomond itself, underscoring the significance of our partnership with the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest.
The long-term vision for Loch Lomond Rainforest is to recreate a resilient and well-connected temperate rainforest ecosystem within the National Park. This will involve protecting the remaining fragments of existing temperate rainforest while also striving to expand and restore this globally significant habitat.
Project aims
• Restore the current rainforest by eliminating rhododendron and ensuring appropriate levels of herbivore grazing. This will enhance the health of the existing rainforest and support natural woodland regeneration.
• Assist in broadening the rainforest habitat by planting trees in areas that link existing rainforest remnants, especially where natural regeneration is unlikely due to insufficient seed sources.
• Build and maintain a local contractor network, creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
• Offer volunteering opportunities to foster a connection and sense of ownership between local communities and the rainforest habitat.
• Develop an educational program aimed at informing local communities, industries, and visitors to the National Park about the project. This initiative would enhance communication regarding the project and the broader efforts of the NPA, while also inspiring a sense of responsibility and connection to the National Park and its ecosystems.
• Investigate additional ways to engage visitors with the rainforest environment.
• Seek and establish long-term funding and financing through innovative green financing solutions.
So far, the NPA has conducted a scoping study (in collaboration with Land Use Consultants, report available upon request) to gain a clearer understanding of where rainforest habitats are likely to be found around Loch Lomond. This study also looked into ongoing projects and potential opportunities for restoring this vital habitat. It confirmed that by removing Rhododendron ponticum and implementing appropriate levels of herbivore grazing, the right conditions can be created for the rainforest to thrive and grow. Additionally, the study outlined a phased plan and pinpointed key landowners to engage with in order to develop and execute this project.