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RSPB Scotland manages Glencripesdale nature reserve as part of a wider plan to protect, restore and connect Scotland’s remaining rainforest.
RSPB Scotland is “excited” to take on conservation responsibility for Glencripesdale, a former National Nature Reserve, located at the tip of the Morvern Peninsula on the south shore of Loch Sunart following the sale of the site by NatureScot.
The wildlife conservation charity said it hopes to work with the local community and local landowners to restore the woodland as part of a wider plan to restore rainforest across the Morvern peninsula which will bring benefits to rare species, climate and local employment.
Scotland’s rainforests are less well known than their tropical counterparts. However, they are both special in terms of biodiversity and rarer with only 1% of the planet having suitable conditions for habitation.
Crested Tit, copyright Glyn Sellors, from surfbirds galleries
In good conditions, one hectare of temperate rainforest can contain up to 200 species of lichen and 200 species of mosses and liverworts. They also support a variety of insects and birds including some specialists such as the wood warbler that is often found in this type of woodland.
Much of Scotland’s rainforest has been lost and what remains is highly fragmented and often in need of restoration due to impacts from invasive species such as Rhododendron ponticum and pressure from large numbers of deer. Deer eat young seedlings and can prevent natural regeneration. Addressing these challenges can be particularly difficult in remote areas.
Through the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest, RSPB Scotland and other organizations have shared goals to promote, restore and connect Scotland’s rainforests. RSPB Scotland say the Glencripesdale nature reserve is an important part of the sawmill and will play a key role in their ambitions to work on a landscape scale to address the common challenges these woodlands face.
In addition to these challenges, Glencripesdale was once a commercial woodland which means that many non-commercial species are now missing or their presence has been reduced. RSPB Scotland will look at planting or encouraging the regeneration of trees and shrubs such as aspen and holly to restore natural diversity as well as expanding the woodland back to its natural limits.
Dave Beaumont, RSPB Scotland Operations Director for South Scotland said: “We are excited to bring Glencripesdale under the ownership of RSPB Scotland and tackle some of the issues facing this special woodland. We will need to remove invasive non-native species such as rhododendron along with Sitka spruce and reduce the impact of deer on tree regeneration. We do not underestimate the challenge of being in a remote area. We are grateful for the support of local people and Sunart and Morvern Community Councils and look forward to working with them and local contractors to manage this important woodland and help restore its former extent and value for wildlife. We hope this will start a larger restoration project across the Morvern helping to restore Scotland’s rainforest on a landscape scale.”
Chris Donald, NatureScot’s Head of Operations for the Central Highlands, said: “Scotland’s ancient woodlands are small, fragmented and underdeveloped. The sale of our land in Glencripesdale to RSPB Scotland is a rare opportunity for NatureScot to support a major landscape restoration project, as we work ambitiously with partners across all sectors to reverse the biodiversity crisis and protect 30% of Scotland’s environment in 2030.
“As we work towards the future of nature networks across Scotland, this internationally important western oak woodland, valued by RSPB Scotland as a site for the Saving Morven Rainforest restoration project and the wider Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest, offers an example of what is possible through evidence-based management of our natural sites.
“With community involvement at the heart of RSPB Scotland’s objectives for the site, their strong track record in land management for ecological recovery and enhancement has the potential to bring significant additional resources for the long-term future of the reserve. “
Glencripesdale nature reserve is a remote area with no public access to the reserve and a 4 mile walk or cycle to the nearest car park. Visitors wishing to experience Scotland’s rainforest more easily are encouraged to visit other woodlands in the area including RSPB Scotland Glenborrodale nature reserve with a small carpark, rugged nature trails and summer guided walks.
You can find out more about the landscape-scale project “Saving Morvern’s Rainforest” at
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