Read 'Lost Rainforests of Britain'

Be prepared to be surprised......

If you haven't read "Lost Rainforests of Britain" by Guy Shrubsole, then you're in for a treat because you'll learn about something you probably didn't know existed - Britain’s rainforests. Yes, you read that right. Britain has rainforests – or, at least, snippets of them. And in "Lost Rainforests of Britain," Guy Shrubsole dusts off this forgotten chapter of our natural heritage, making us all realize we’ve been living in a misty, moss-covered fairy tale without even knowing it.

I’ll admit, when I picked this book up, I thought, "Rainforests in Britain? Seriously! What? Here I am teaching about the Amazon rainforest for 20+ years without realising we have our own rainforests right under our noses! Shrubsole hooked me right in with his engaging style and before long had me scrummaging about for my hiking boots and mapping out my expedition to one of these magical places. Yep, I actually visited one of Britain’s Celtic rainforests, and let me tell you, it felt like stepping into an enchanted forest - I was entranced by the bizarre mosses, alga and lichen and their peculiar but beneficial qualities. Where had lichen been hiding all my life? - why my friend's eyes glassed over when I excitedly explained my latest discovery I'm not sure!

So, here’s why this book needs to be on your reading list:

1. Yes, Celtic Rainforests Are Real: Britain actually has rainforests in the lush, drizzly west, particularly in parts of Wales, Scotland, and a sliver of southwest England. Think twisting oak trees, carpets of ferns, and moss so thick it could double as nature’s shag carpet. These forests thrive in the wet, mild Atlantic climate, which gives them that misty, green “I’m definitely in a BBC fantasy drama” look. In fact some of the rainforests have featured in movies such as Star Wars and Dr Who - check out Puzzlewood!.
2. They're Endangered – But They Don’t Have to Be! Sadly, many of these magical woodlands were chopped, grazed, or ignored out of existence, but Shrubsole makes it clear they aren’t lost causes. In fact, there’s a good chance to restore them if we protect what’s left and give nature some TLC. (And yes, there are organizations and projects actually working to bring these rainforests back. Insert hopeful sigh here.)
3. They’re the Original Climate Superheroes: These rainforests aren’t just good looks; they’re carbon-absorbing powerhouses. With all their moss, lichen, and decaying wood, they trap tons of carbon dioxide, helping us in the fight against climate change. Basically, Britain’s rainforests are the chill, damp cousins of the tropical jungles in the Amazon – and they’re doing their bit for the planet in a big way.
4. There’s Life Thriving in There: These rainforests are teeming with unique wildlife and rare plant species that you’d think belong in a nature documentary. There are rare lichens, ancient trees, curious fungi, and even some animals you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in Britain. It’s like a treasure hunt in a sea of green, and if your students love all things science or nature, they’ll be buzzing to learn that Britain’s biodiversity has a lot more up its sleeve than we give it credit for.
5. They Hold Cultural Secrets Too: These rainforests are laced with folklore and stories that have wound through British history, from ancient Celtic legends to tales of smugglers and wild hunts. Shrubsole digs up these mysteries, making us all realize that nature and culture are beautifully intertwined. I mean, this is the stuff of classroom discussions right here, connecting science, history, and English into one mossy bundle of joy.

Inspiring your students pupils

Reading this book felt like rediscovering a secret world right in my backyard, and it left me itching to see it with my own eyes. When I finally made it out to one of these rainforests, I felt like I’d found a hidden realm – and I couldn’t wait to tell my students about it and prepared a wee photo presentation for them - ok so 56 slides was a bit much - but I knew I'd get them hooked. It was so exciting for the pupils to see that their teacher had actually visited a rainforest and that they weren't that far away and they might visit one too in the future, when on a family holiday.

Shrubsole doesn’t just make a case for these rainforests; he makes you want to experience them and maybe even fight for them. So, instead of writing a 'hypothetical' letter to some far off person about the Amazon rainforest, you might do as I did and get your pupils to write to an organisation such as the Woodland Trust, which is supporting and restoring the British rainforests - and the children might get a reply to their letter making it a memorable experience.

So finally, if you’re curious, fascinated by nature, or just love a good story (with some very real science thrown in), give "Lost Rainforests of Britain" a go. You might just find yourself planning a trip or, at the very least, inspiring some outdoor explorations closer to home!