Bursting with biodiversity, Britain’s rainforests are some of our most vibrant ecosystems. Yet they’re also among the most threatened. Learn more about what makes these rare woodlands so important and why we’re working to save them.
Just like its tropical counterpart, temperate rainforest stores significant amounts of carbon and plays host to a wealth of specialist species.
Its survival is critical to addressing the biodiversity and climate crisis, yet Britain’s rainforests are under threat.
Unlike rainforests in tropical regions, which are warm all year round, temperate rainforests are characterised by cooler conditions and a dormant period in winter caused by low temperatures. This unique climate – found along parts of Britain’s western coastline – is incredibly rare, occurring over less than 1% of the planet’s surface.
of Europe’s rainforest habitat is found in the UK
of UK rainforests are damaged by plantation forestry
of the planet has the right climate for temperate rainforest
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of temperate rainforests and explore the flora and fauna that call these woodlands home.
Also known as Atlantic or Celtic rainforest, this special habitat is incredibly rare. Its lush conditions are perfect for scarce plants, lichens and fungi, as well as a number of unusual animals.
Learn more about the UK's rainforest
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Charlie Mellor • 18 Jun 2025
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Annabel Kemp • 19 Jun 2025
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Charlotte Varela • 12 Mar 2025
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Listen to our podcast from magical Bovey Valley Woods to learn all about UK rainforest, its fantastic wildlife, why this habitat is so important and how we can protect it.
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Whether it’s on the rugged coastline of Cornwall, the remote lochs of western Scotland or the rain-soaked landscapes of North Wales, we’re working to protect, restore and create rainforest for future generations of people and wildlife.
About us
We're working to ensure Scotland’s rainforests thrive once again. As part of the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest, we're on a mission to protect and enhance this globally important habitat for the special wildlife that depends upon it.
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Research report
PDF (3.86 MB)
State of UK woods and trees
The State of the UK’s Woods and Trees 2025 report checks on the health of woodlands and sees what's changed since our first report.
Policy paper
PDF (7.41 MB)
Now is the time to act to save our precious rainforests. Find out how you can help protect these threatened woodlands before it’s too late.
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Help support our vital conservation work to protect our vanishingly rare woodland habitats before we lose them forever.
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We urgently need your support to save and restore Buckland Wood.
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With its dramatic rocky outcrops, raw and rugged beauty, and precious, endangered wildlife, Ausewell Wood is the lost world that needs your help.
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There's no better way to protect the trees we all need than by becoming a member of the Woodland Trust.
Primordial landscapes, tangled branches, breathtaking wildlife and miles of woodland trails. From the countryside to cities, we care for thousands of woods throughout the UK, all free to visit.
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