Here are just four examples of how restoration can occur both with private and public landowners in collaboration with NGOs, public bodies and corporations.

“At Cabilla Cornwall we are deeply honoured to live in a magical valley of temperate rainforest. Not only does this habitat provide some of the richest and most vibrant biodiversity imaginable but it is also an incredible setting for people to come and experience one of the most exciting ecosystems on the planet and to heal our urbanised society’s lost connection with nature. The rainforests of Britain need to be understood, protected and expanded for our sake and for the sake of future generations. That’s why I encourage others to get involved with the Lost Rainforests of Britain campaign.

Cabilla Cornwall’s Thousand Year Project is a multi-generational mission to triple the size of our temperate rainforest and to return our valley to a state of equilibrium with nature. We are planting 100,000 trees, restoring and protecting our existing forest and reintroducing all of the incredible species that have been lost over the centuries from beavers and red squirrels to bison and lynx.”

Merlin Hanbury-Tenison (private landowner), founder, Cabilla Cornwall (https://www.cabillacornwall.com/)

“Temperate Rainforests truly are the jewels in the crown of the UK’s natural heritage, yet they face multiple threats. Fragmentation, over-grazing, invasive species and climate change all risk us losing the precious remains of what was once a habitat that covered vast swathes of our isles. 

At RSPB Haweswater, we are working with landowner United Utilities to turn the tide. By changing grazing, employing cattle fitted with hi-tech GPS collars, collecting seeds and growing them in our on-site nursery and planting up bracken beds, our temperate rainforests, for the first time in centuries, will have the chance to reclaim lost ground. Over the coming decades, rainforest will begin feathering back up onto the fells, creeping out from gorges, spilling down from ledges, spreading from the refuges where they have been waiting for our relationship with nature to change. 

I look forward to the growing awareness that the Lost Rainforests of Britain campaign will yield ushering in the age of rainforest resurgence.”

Lee Schofield, Wild Haweswater site manager and author, Wild Fell (2022)

“I’m extremely lucky to have fragments of temperate rainforest on my Dartmoor farm and I’m pleased to be involved in a ‘farmer cluster’ group which has many plans including woodland regeneration in the Upper River Dart catchment. I encourage other land managers to support the Lost Rainforests of Britain campaign and to do what they can to protect and restore this unique habitat which will build resilience for their farms, climate and nature”.

Naomi Oakley, Dartmoor tenant farmer

“Oxygen Conservation feel blessed to be a custodian of one of the country’s last remaining large scale temperate rainforests, at the Leighon Estate in Dartmoor. Leighon is a wonder to behold and supports a hugely diverse array of indicator species, sadly only now found in this declining, rare and precious habitat. Visitors are drawn to the story and history of the estate, but are unexpectedly transfixed by the mosses, lichens and ferns that can only grow under the precise oceanic conditions created by the temperate rainforest. As we develop our long-term plans for the estate, we will work in partnership with the local community to deliver conservation measures that protect and enhance this precious habitat and the species that it supports. We are delighted to support the work of the Lost Rainforests of Britain campaign in increasing awareness, understanding and appreciation of these truly incredible places and spaces.” 

Dan Johnson, Environment Manager, Oxygen Conservation