UK Races to Save Rare Rainforest Treasures

In a bid to conserve the unique biodiversity of the UK's temperate rainforests, conservationists are making concerted efforts to protect the rare species that inhabit these lush regions. These rainforests, primarily located along the western coasts of the UK, are home to distinct lichens that are not found in any other part of the world.

Historically, the decline of these rainforests has posed a significant threat to several globally important plants and fungi, pushing them to the brink of extinction. A particular lichen species is believed to be found only in a specific woodland area in Somerset. The primary threats to these habitats include deforestation, climate change, air pollution, and the devastating ash dieback disease.

Temperate rainforests are unique woodlands situated in the Earth's middle latitudes, characterized by heavy rainfall. These regions, with their wet, mild, and humid conditions, provide an ideal environment for rare plants and fungi to thrive. Notable pockets of these rainforests can be found in areas like the west of Scotland, north Wales, the Lake District, and south-west England. However, these ancient woodlands have significantly reduced in size due to prolonged deforestation and over-grazing.

Leading the charge in conservation efforts are charities like The National Trust and PlantLife. They are dedicated to preserving these biodiversity hotspots. Demelza Hyde, a ranger from Dartmoor, describes the "miniature world of mosses and lichens" as the very "lifeblood of temperate rainforests." She highlighted that many of the rare species at Lydford Gorge have only been identified recently. To ensure their survival, initiatives are in place to transplant lichens from dying trees to other forest areas and to plant new trees.

Hyde expressed her concerns about the limited time available to address the challenges posed by ash dieback and climate change. Ash dieback, a fungus originating from Asia, has wreaked havoc on European ash trees over the past few decades.

Lichens, which are unique organisms found in temperate rainforests, consist of fungi growing symbiotically with other life forms like algae. The UK and Ireland boast over 2,000 lichen species, with many exclusive to temperate rainforests. For instance, the horsehair lichen Bryoria smithii is only known to exist in two rainforest sites in Britain, while the Arthonia thoriana, a rare comma lichen, is unique to Horner Wood in Somerset.

April Windle, a Devon-based naturalist specializing in lichens, emphasizes the importance of these small species. She believes that while larger, more charismatic species often steal the limelight in conservation efforts, it's the smaller species like lichens that truly define the significance of these habitats. Windle points out that some lichens in these woodlands are as rare, if not rarer, than the habitats they reside in.

Until recently, the existence and importance of temperate rainforests in the UK remained relatively unknown. According to the BBC, current conservation projects in Devon are centered around restoring these woodlands to protect vital plant and animal species. This involves clearing invasive plants, planting a new generation of trees to replace those affected by ash dieback, and transplanting lichens from dying trees to healthier parts of the forest.