A £6 million grant from the National Lottery has been awarded to a new partnership that will work to restore the rare Atlantic rainforest, with dedicated training hubs to be set up in Torridon, Morvern and mid‑Argyll.
The funding will support a programme that combines practical restoration work with skills development for people entering the conservation sector. By focusing on the Atlantic rainforest – a temperate woodland that stretches along Scotland’s western coast and is recognised for its high biodiversity – the project aims to reverse habitat loss and improve ecosystem resilience.
Three regional hubs will be established in the Highlands and islands: one in Torridon, another in Morvern, and a third in mid‑Argyll. Each hub will offer hands‑on training in techniques such as native tree planting, invasive species control and habitat monitoring, providing a pathway for new conservation workers.
The £6 million lottery grant is being administered by the National Lottery Community Fund, which supports projects that deliver lasting environmental benefits. The award reflects the fund’s commitment to tackling climate change and protecting vulnerable ecosystems.
Atlantic rainforests are among the world’s most biologically rich habitats, yet they cover only a small fraction of their historic range. In Scotland they are prized for their ancient woodlands, moss‑laden trees and unique wildlife, making their restoration a priority for biodiversity conservation.
Project organisers say the training hubs will not only boost the local workforce but also create a model for community‑led restoration that could be replicated in other threatened habitats across the UK.
<small>Source: BBC Science — read the original story there.</small>
