Scotland’s Rainforest Enigmas
Temperate rainforests once covered the majority of Western Europe, forming in mild climactic areas within the temperate zone that receive heavy rainfall. Due to a variety of human and natural factors they now can now only be found in Northern Spain and the west coast of Britain. Defined by high levels of rainfall and relatively mild, year-round temperatures – temperate rainforests provide home to a plethora of biodiversity and a range of plant species that cannot be found outside of this biome. Western Scotland is renowned for having some of the most untouched temperate rainforests in the world, due to the areas lack of inhabitancy and steep topography.
For centuries, the primeval rainforests have been able to flourish here, providing a rich biodiversity of both plants and animals. Ecologically, one of the most interesting features of temperate rainforest, is the diversity of bryophytes and lichens, which are found in vast quantities on trees, boulders and in ravines and on the ground. Temporally, lichens are fascinating as many species found in these parts of Scotland are some of the oldest living organisms on earth, with a lifespan of around 5000 years. They grow at a rate of 1mm a year, establishing themselves as a steady constant that play an essential role in the nutrient cycle, food webs and providing a habitat for insects and microorganisms within the forest. Whilst many factors, such as weather, climate, seasons and disturbances change, lichens remain the same, supporting the external ecosystem. In addition to the small scale role they play within the rainforest, lichens are pinnacle for carbon capture, thriving off carbon dioxide within or atmosphere and contributing to the slowing of global warming.
In addition to its rich biodiversity, the rainforests provide social, environmental and economic support for the majority of the western Scotland community. As well as positive effects on mental health and well-being through providing a meeting place and space to exercise, the forest is an education tool and provides support for farmers. For cattle farmers, the forest creates a natural, ethical, contained environment for calving heifers. The woods are also used sustainably for logging and provide jobs for residents in these remote areas. The mixed usage of the woodlands by various stakeholders does, however, lead to issues. Lack of governmental support means there is insufficient funding for regeneration schemes to maintain the woodland and the schemes that are already in place are financially inaccessible for local land-owners. In addition, Scotland’s rainforests, in particular the lichens and fungi, are at expediential risk due to a variety of factors. Country wide, Scotland is experiencing an extensive deer problem with the species uncontrollably feeding off small vegetation, removing sprouting saplings. This is therefore interfering with the natural nutrient cycle and putting some species of lichens and trees at risk. Furthermore, invasive, non-native species (e.g. Rhododendron Ponticom), have spread rapidly in recent years, chocking the woodland and occupying space on the woodland floor. Other issues include disease, such as ash dieback, which spreads rapidly and is hard to control. In addition to this, climate change is having significant implications on Scotland’s rainforests. Nitrogen pollution can over fertilise lichens and cause them to die and increased periods of draught as well as changes in temperatures can induce dormancy for lichens. It is unknown the full extent of the issues that could be inflicted on temperate rainforests by climate change but it is essential that these fascinating landscapes are protected and continue to allow these unique species to flourish.
Throughout this year I have been responding to this landscape through film, photography and interactive design ultimately constructing an outcome of a virtual exhibition. Using VR, the user can explore my videos and lichen forms, becoming a micro part of a macro ecosystem. In addition to this, the user can take away a post card, allowing them to keep a physical part of the exhibition.
