Survey reveals most Scots unaware Scotland has rainforest
PR & communications officer - Scotland
New research indicates most people living in Scotland’s west coast rainforest zone have no idea the threatened habitat is right on their doorstep.
But when they find out, the majority are enthusiastic about protecting and expanding it. People in Glasgow, Paisley and Argyll are the most likely to know there is rainforest in Scotland – and are keenest to save it.
The online survey of 500 people across Scotland, including 102 living in rainforest areas, was conducted by Dynata on behalf of Our Rainforest Futures – an Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Fewer than one in three (31%) in the postcode areas sampled think there is rainforest habitat in Scotland, with more than half (51%) saying there “definitely” isn’t. Even within the rainforest area, only 39% are aware it exists.
Under half (48%) of those who are aware of Scotland’s rainforest, and who live in a rainforest postcode, realise that they live within 20 minutes’ drive of the habitat.
Once aware, 60% of those surveyed agree that saving Scotland’s rainforest is very or extremely important to them. This is highest among those living in the Paisley and Argyll and Bute postcode areas (70%).
Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest programme manager Julie Stoneman said:
“Scotland’s temperate rainforest is found along the west coast, where high rainfall, mild temperatures and clean air provide the perfect habitat for some extraordinary mosses, liverworts and lichens, some of which are unique to Scotland.
"The sheer abundance, diversity and rarity of the species make this habitat internationally important. As little as 30,000 hectares remain – a mere 2% of Scotland’s woodland cover and only a fraction of the area that has suitable climatic conditions.”
Our Rainforest Futures development manager Diane Leishman said:
“The profile of Scotland’s rainforest has come a long way in the last few years, but these results show we still have much to do. The people who live and work in the rainforest zone are essential to securing its future, so we need them to know it is there. Once people are aware of Scotland’s rainforest they are keen to get involved in saving it. Other than time, some of the main barriers to involvement are a lack of knowledge and skills.
"Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, our team is out in communities consulting and running training events this year, and we are scoping out plans for volunteering opportunities, training for paid work and resources for schools. We hope to develop a workforce which is trained and passionate about saving Scotland’s rainforest. This survey suggests there are quite a few people up for that.”
Our Rainforest Futures staff will be at various events over the summer, including Morvern Highland Games, Sheildaig Fete, Tayvallich Gala, Mid-Argyll Show and Argyllshire Gathering.
Notes to Editors
For further information, contact Jill Donnachie at Woodland Trust Scotland on 07810 500371.
Various free-to-use images of Scotland’s rainforest habitats, species and issues can be downloaded from The Alliance for Scotland's Rainforest Flickr page.
Detailed results from the survey can be downloaded from this folder, along with a map showing Scotland’s rainforest climatic area.
The online survey was conducted among a sample of 500 people living in Scotland. This sample size gives a margin of error of +/- 4% at 95% confidence level. Sample was sourced from the Dynata market research panel. All respondents live in an IV, PH, PA, FK, KA, or G postcode. 102 survey respondents live in the rainforest area. This sample size gives a margin of error of +/- 10% at 95% confidence level.
About the Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK with more than 500,000 supporters. With a vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, today the Trust owns and cares for more than 1,000 woodland sites, covering around 33,000 hectares.
The Woodland Trust has three key aims:
- protecting the UK's rare, unique and irreplaceable ancient woodland
- restoring damaged ancient woodland, nurturing precious pieces of our natural heritage back to life
- establishing new native trees and woods to create healthy, resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.
Access to all Woodland Trust woods is free so everyone can experience the physical and mental benefits of trees.
About Our Rainforest Futures
The people who live and work in the rainforest zone are essential to securing its future. Our Rainforest Futures aims to mobilise, train and equip people with the skills and knowledge to be its guardians and advocates.
The project will increase awareness of the rainforest, build capacity and expand the available workforce. It will seek opportunities for local people to gain wellbeing, economic and social benefits from the rainforest. It aims to leave both Scotland's rainforest habitat and its communities more resilient.
The development phase of the project has been made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
This is an Alliance for Scotland's Rainforest project led by the Woodland Trust. Project partners include Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, Community Woodlands Association, Plantlife Scotland, RSPB Scotland, Scotland's Rural College and the Scottish Rainforest Education Centre.
Our vision is a national movement of rainforest custodians equipped and enabled to save Scotland’s Rainforest. Find out more information on the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest website.