Temperate

These rain forests are rare ecosystems found in only a few parts of the world, including the western coasts of Britain, especially in Scotland, Wales, and parts of England’s Lake District and Devon. They thrive in areas where the climate is mild and very wet, with frequent rainfall, high humidity, and relatively moderate temperatures.

The forests are known for their rich and dense vegetation, with an abundance of mosses, liverworts, lichens, and ferns that carpet the ground, tree trunks, and branches. Tree species like oak, birch, and hazel are common. The sessile oak (Quercus petraea) is particularly iconic in these environments.

Lichens are an essential part of the biodiversity in temperate rainforests. Some species of lichen found in Britain’s rainforests are internationally significant due to their rarity and dependence on the unique climatic.

The oceanic climate and temperate rainforests are closely linked, as temperate rainforests thrive in regions with oceanic climates due to the favorable combination of mild temperatures and abundant rainfall, t

The lack of knowledge in regards the rainforests in the UK could be due to the fact that many people don’t associate the UK with rainforests, as they are more commonly thought of as tropical ecosystems found in places like the Amazon or Southeast Asia. The UK’s temperate rainforests are less well-known, partly because they lack the same exotic appeal that tropical rainforests often carry in the public imagination.

The Role of These Forests in Artistic Inspiration:

Turner’s painting of Melin Court Falls is one of many examples where artists like myself found inspiration in these ancient, atmospheric woodlands. The moss-draped trees, dense undergrowth, and ever-present mist create a sense of mystery and enchantment, a key draw for the Romantics who sought to evoke the sublime — the awe-inspiring power of nature. These forests, with their timeless beauty, also inspired local folklore, connecting people more deeply with the natural environment.

At my own surprise at the existence of these “enchanted places” speaks to a larger issue—many people are unaware of the importance and existence of these rare rainforests in the UK. Despite their historical and ecological significance, they often escape notice. These rainforests are not only artistically inspiring but also ecologically valuable. They harbor unique ecosystems with species of plants, mosses, lichens, and fungi found nowhere else, and play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity, supporting rare wildlife, and regulating the local climate.