Britain’s rare temperate rainforests are home to an extraordinary array of wildlife, from majestic white-tailed eagles to the world’s largest land slugs, and lichens resembling dragon skin. Conservationists, including the Woodland Trust, are urgently working to restore and protect these ecosystems, which are among the most threatened in the world.

Temperate rainforests, once covering 20% of Britain, have dwindled to less than 1% of the land due to centuries of deforestation, overgrazing, and land conversion. These forests face ongoing threats from invasive species and climate change, yet they remain vital biodiversity hotspots. They support a vast array of species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Situated near the ocean with high rainfall exceeding 1.4 meters annually, Britain’s rainforests create the damp, humid conditions needed to sustain over 200 species of mosses and 100–200 species of lichens. Among the remarkable species found in these habitats are:

1. Stinky Lichen (Sticta sylvatica): This fish-scented lichen thrives in damp woodlands and indicates healthy rainforest conditions.
2. Tree Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria): Its frilly, lung-like fronds once inspired medieval treatments for lung diseases. One of England’s rarest lichens, it’s a relic of ancient wildwood.
3. Blue Ground Beetle (Carabus intricatus): One of the UK’s rarest beetles, its presence signifies a thriving rainforest.
4. White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla): The UK’s largest bird of prey, these eagles often nest in rainforests and contribute nutrients to the ecosystem from their coastal hunts.
5. Hazel Gloves Fungus (Hypocreopsis rhododendri): Resembling intestines, this fungus grows exclusively on ancient hazel trees, indicating clean air and a forest’s historical roots.
6. Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca): These birds thrive in rainforests, perching on branches to catch flying insects.
7. Ash Black Slug (Limax cinereoniger): The world’s largest land slug, reaching up to 25cm, with a unique mating ritual involving suspension from trees in mucus.
8. Green Satin Lichen (Lobaria virens): This lichen turns vivid green when wet, resembling dragon skin.
9. Octopus Suckers (Collema fasciculare): A jelly-like lichen that helps fertilise plants by extracting nitrogen from the air.

To preserve these extraordinary habitats, the Woodland Trust and Plantlife are collaborating to restore and manage ancient woodland across 27 sites in north-west and south-west England. This effort is part of the UK government’s £2.9 million rainforest restoration project. Conservation strategies include managing invasive species, protecting rare plants, and improving wetland conditions.

By safeguarding these ecosystems, conservationists aim to ensure that Britain’s rainforests—and their unique wildlife—thrive for generations to come.

Sam Manning, the Woodland Trust project officer for south-west rainforests, said: “Our rainforests were once a well-used resource, providing timber, charcoal and tannin for tanning leather. But they have suffered from clearances, chronic overgrazing and conversion to other uses, leaving them small and fragmented.

“As our top 11 shows, these rainforests are home to some really special wildlife, which is why we are working with other charities and partners to form alliances to restore these unique environments.”

Georgia Stephens, rainforest adviser north-west for Plantlife, said: “Temperate rainforests are precious habitats that can support a huge diversity and abundance of species, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

“They are home to some incredibly rare lichens and bryophytes that have been around for millions of years, pre-dating humans, flowers, trees and even dinosaurs.

“This list demonstrates the unique qualities of these species and the urgent need to protect, restore and manage rainforests well for future generations.”