Restoring the Temperate Rainforests in the UK: New Restoration Projects in Wales and the Isle of Man
Across the British Isles, Wildlife Trusts are part of a more extensive campaign to restore endangered habitats.
To aid with the recovery of this unique ecosystem across the British Isles, the Wildlife Trusts have prioritised the restoration of two temperate rainforests in Wales and on the Isle of Man. Rainforests will be the focus of the Wildlife Trusts’ initial conservation efforts.
You’ll find temperate rainforests, often called Atlantic or Celtic, in places exposed to the sea (areas with “high oceanicity”), receive a lot of rain and humidity, and have mild seasonal temperature swings. The Caribbean and Celtic rainforests are two other names for this type of rainforest. It is a habitat that cannot be found anywhere else and is in much greater peril than the Amazonian rainforest.
The Changes to Britains Rainforests – Agriculture and Land Use
Over centuries, agriculture and other forms of civilisation have wiped away only 1% of Britain’s rainforests. Vegetation in temperate rainforests is often rather varied, hosting such oddities as a wide range of fungi, lichens, and other flora.
Creg y Cowin on the Isle of Man will have more than 28 hectares (70 acres) planted with native tree species and another 8 hectares (21 acres) left to regenerate.
The Manx Wildlife Trust will maintain natural areas, including lowland heath, fen-meadow, waxcap grassland, and ponds, and plant new locations to provide a wide range of habitats for local wildlife. Conservation grazing will protect the area’s natural ecosystems in critical spots. The charity keeps its fingers crossed that Oakwood’s owls, hawks, and forest invertebrates will all make a comeback, along with the wood warbler, pied flycatcher, and redstart.
The Coed Crafnant natural area in northern Wales is home to the Tunbridge filmy fern. Temperate rainforests are rich in plant life, lichens, and fungi.
It is envisaged that the area would help clean up the water in the West Baldwin reservoir and contribute to developing a network to restore Manx flora and fauna. It is also hoped that the area will play a role in flood prevention.
Forty hectares of rainforest will be planted by the North Wales Wildlife Trust on Bwlch Mawr, a mountain overlooking Bryn Ifan. Gwynedd County is home to Bryn Ifan. Planting native species and allowing the forest to regenerate naturally will increase the temperate rainforest’s range. To help the endangered marsh fritillary butterfly, conservationists are working to improve nearby wetlands and reserving space for eco-friendly farming. Tree species, including oak, birch and alder will be incorporated, and the area will be kept in check using conservation grazing.
Wildahome – Wildflower Seeds & Mats for Nature Restoration Projects in Wales and the Isle of Man
Wildahome are involved in supplying native British wildflower seeds for projects throughout Wales and the Isle of Man, from nature-friendly garden areas to complete meadow restoration projects.
We can advise on seeds, application and aftercare and can supply locally sourced seeds from partner farms throughout the regions.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with details and requirements for your project.
