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Temperate Rainforest

British temperate rainforests are of global importance, having the greatest concentration of oceanic lichens and mosses in Europe, they are rare habitats. Plantlife is working to protect their long-term future.

A misty temperate rainforest scene at Wistmans Wood.
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What are Temperate Rainforests?

Woodlands that are found in areas that are influenced by the sea, with high rainfall and humidity and damp climate are temperate rainforests. They are  home to some intriguing and sometimes rare lower plants. These lower plants – the ferns, mosses, liverworts, and lichens – are ancient. They pre-date humans, flowers, trees and even dinosaurs.

We are working on project with partners across England, Wales and Scotland to protect these rare and amazing habitats.

Our glorious but forgotten rainforests need your help. They are self-contained universes of incalculable richness – and in common with many of our most precious items of world heritage, need our love and guardianship to survive.

What Plants can you Spot in the Temperate Rainforest?

Free Rainforest Guides

Our Work

A Temperate Rainforest Strategy for England:
branches and tree covered with lichens

A Temperate Rainforest Strategy for England:

A new English government strategy for temperate rainforest has been released, but restoring the rainforest in England requires a more detailed approach that recognises and addresses the threats. To put the rainforest on the path to recovery, concrete action is needed.

Government Action for Temperate Rainforests 

Government Action for Temperate Rainforests 

Discover how Plantlife is working with governments to protect and restore temperate rainforest along the Atlantic coast of Britain.

Saving Species in Devon and Cornwall’s Rainforests
Wistmands Wood Building resilience rainforest

Saving Species in Devon and Cornwall’s Rainforests

Our wild and wet woodlands and the species that live within them are facing severe threats which Plantlife will be tackling through the Species Recovery Project.

Blogs

The Rare Lichen that Travelled from Cornwall to Norfolk
Dave Lamacraft translocating Scrambled Egg Lichen in Norfolk

The Rare Lichen that Travelled from Cornwall to Norfolk

An incredible story of returning one of England’s rarest lichens to its historic home – more than 350 miles away.

Finding Hazel Gloves Fungus: Why Recording Matters

Finding Hazel Gloves Fungus: Why Recording Matters

Hazel Gloves Fungus is a priority species on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, learn more about this rainforest fungi this Reverse the Red month.

Lichens: A Beginner in a City
Rob Hodgson with lichen characters

Lichens: A Beginner in a City

Living in Bristol, Rob Hodgson went on his own lichen journey, showing how anyone can go lichen hunting from anywhere.