LUC's work to support The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority in identifying potential priorities for rainforest restoration around Loch Lomond has commenced.

Scotland’s rainforest is a habitat of global importance. Supported by Scotland's mild and wet climate, it has significant biodiversity value due to the unique range of species it supports including mosses, lichens and liverworts.

The habitat is increasingly rare and under threat from invasive species, inappropriate grazing levels, fragmentation and the effects of climate change.

The National Park have initiated this project to explore opportunities to restore this important habitat around Loch Lomond. It forms part of their wider Future Nature programme which aims to stop the decline and restore nature at a large scale.

LUC’s planners and ecologists will be undertaking the following work to support this important project:

• Identify areas of existing rainforest, priority locations for restoration and the most appropriate restoration techniques
• Engage with stakeholders to understand their perspectives and develop materials to support ongoing consultation with local communities
• Develop potential delivery plans for priority restoration areas which will enable the National Park Authority to gather funding and deliver initial projects over the next 1-2 years

LUC will be delivering the project over the coming months to March 2024.