DISCOVER THE FORGOTTEN TEMPERATE
RAINFOREST OF THE SOUTH WEST
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Recovering the Rainforest Video
Temperate rainforests, otherwise known as Atlantic or Oceanic (celtic) rainforests, are incredibly rare. The lush conditions are perfect for scarce plants, lichens and fungi as well as remarkable birds and mammals.
Thought to be more threatened than the tropical rainforest, the temperate rainforest is important, not just for the biodiversity it supports, but also for its ability to store carbon and help regulate climate.
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WHERE CAN YOU FIND
TEMPERATE RAINFORESTS?
Temperate rainforests are unique ecosystems that are subject to the influence of the sea where there is high rainfall, humidity and low variation in temperatures. Found in the south-western regions of Britain and Ireland, these native woodlands provide the right conditions for some of the world’s rarest bryophytes and lichens, e.g. tree lungwort Lobaria pulmonaria, and pale scalewort Radula voluta.
This unique habitat of ancient oak, birch, ash, pine and hazel woodland is made even more diverse by open glades, boulders, crags, ravines and river gorges. Their stableconditions and humid microclimates are a haven for rare and threatened species including otters, red squirrels, and dormice.
Unfortunately, temperate rainforests face threats from habitat fragmentation, invasive species, and climate change. Protecting these vital ecosystems is crucial for preserving our rarest woodland species.
Quick Facts
1%
of the planet has the climatic conditions
to form temperate rainforest
90%
of temperate rainforest in Devon and
Cornwall has been lost
2000
lichens species thrive in temperate
rainforest, some only in Britain.
We need to create, protect and restore this precious habitat
YOU CAN HELP SAVE
OUR temperate RAINFORESTS
Time is running out for our precious rainforests. The fragile woods along our rainforest zone need expert care to survive. We must act now before it’s too late, to ensure a secure future for this rare habitat. We’ve already achieved so much at the rainforests we own and care for, but there is still a great deal more to do.
Your support is vital to our work. Here's how you can help:
Act: Volunteer with us.
Give: Donate our rainforest appeal
Become a member today!
