It's not just the Amazon that has rainforest you know!
My human has had her nose buried in this book all week.
Gail tells me 'The Lost Rainforests of Britain' is all about how on the western fringe of the UK - that's the rainy part - we have remnants of temperate rainforests which used to covers much more of the country before humans intervened.
And it turns out there's a wee bit of rainforest just across the other side of Loch Torridon from our cottage, on the northern slopes of Ben Shieldaig. We decided to go and explore. This precious patch of woodland is now owned by a conservation charity, The Woodland Trust. Apparently they plan to construct an access path, but for the moment one has to force one's way up the steep slope, over mossy boulders and through tick infested bracken and ferns.
I hoped to see some of the exotic lichens illustrated in Gail's book, but am sorry to report that our nature walk was cut short by a proliferation of the dreaded Highland midges, out in abundance in this well-shaded, densely vegetated and damp patch of greenery (i.e. midge heaven). These tiny biting insects do not bother me, but I cannot say the same for my human...
Anyway, here are some photos Gail took between frantically trying to bat away the arch-enemy of outdoor activity in August in Western Scotland...
We hope you enjoyed our visit to one of Scotland's few remaining rainforests. Gail has promised we will return for a longer look when the colder weather arrives and the midges have gone to ground.
Happy Nature Friday! We're delighted as always to be taking part in the LLB Gang's blog hop.
that is a wonderful place... and we are glad that some things of the past are still there... and we hope we can protect it to show it our grdnd pups later...
ReplyDeleteNobby, that's really interesting. We don't have enough rain for a rain forest, so it's good to see the photos and read about yours.
ReplyDeleteTell Gail that she might try showering using Wright's Cold Tar soap if she's going to brave the midges. Carol uses it to keep the mozzies at bay, and it works - they don't like the smell of tar, and we think midges are the same.
Love,
Paca xx
Gail replies: Thanks for the coal tar soap tip. I haven't tried that one yet. Midge nets and 'Smidge' have been the preferred option.
DeletePS Oh and before anyone suggests it, neither Avon's 'Skin So Soft' nor citronella oil have worked for me in the past!
DeleteBeautiful photos and video but at what great cost. Tiny, determined and able to find all breaches in the defences, midges are the curse of Scotland.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWell, Nobby, that was a grand wee visit - for you at least... I have enjoyed seeing wee pockets of ancient woodland like this dotted across the country, but yes, there's a price to be paid for paradise! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
It sounded like a good idea to visit that place, but obviously, no one has found it good enough to even make a trail. Sorry it didn't work out better but you and your mom get an A+ for being adventurous and getting out safely, even if there were some nasty bug bites.
ReplyDeleteSome one told us at Kielder observatory (where midges also abound) that they (the midges) cannot fly in breezes over about 5mph. The answer therefore is to only go out in a gale.
ReplyDeleteGail replies: that works well in open territory but it's the nature of our rainforest remnants that they tend to be in spots well sheltered from the wind!
Deletewow and wow again, had no idea you have an Amazon Rainforest and that it is so very beautiful. those dread midges at times here, even in our pool they atack the head that is above water. best time here is our winter months. since you have one that is so very interesting i googled to see if we have one and found this one is 3 hour drive from where we live. had no idea Florida has Amazon Rainforest. wish i had know before we got to old to tango....
ReplyDeletehere is the link https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/florida/amazon-fl/ would give you the name but can't spell it.
Absolutely a lovely and lush Nature Friday
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job of tip toeing thru the ferns.
Jumpin' catfish I hope you and Gail wore tick armor. I had no idea there were tick in the UK...Those things are no fun.
Gail I am a mosquito magnet...I've heard a rumor they are attracted to O+ blood which I have. I'm allergic to most insect repellants especially strong ones. This year I discovered Zevo, an on-body 8 hour mosquito and tick repellant. Happy to say it works. If I go on a long a trek, I would take it with me to reapply every so often. It isn't a strong as the heavy duty sprays and best of all it does not break out my sensitive skin.
Hugs Cecilia
Nobby so great to see in the 'rain forest' ` imagine the midgets are not fun ~ glad you got out shortly after your walk ~ Great photos ~
ReplyDeleteWishing your good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Thanks for taking us along on your trip to the rain forest near your cottage. It's too bad those pesty bugs spoiled the day for Gail.
ReplyDeleteThe rainforest is just beautiful and we understand about the biting bugs. It kinda takes all of the fun out of it.
ReplyDeleteWe loved seeing all of your pictures of your local rain forest. I've never seen anything like that moss! For many years my family would spend a week at Cook Forest Park where we could hike on the beautiful woodland trails, and then cool off in the Clarion River.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.cookforest.org/cook-forest-state-park/
I guess midges like rainforests too?
ReplyDeleteThat is fascinating. I try to keep up on English history but never knew this.
ReplyDeleteLet the rains sustain the forests.
ReplyDeleteWe very much enjoyed this. It is interesting that we have been so focused on the Amazon (or at least Lady has), that we have neglected these other rainforests! We are very proud of you for giving the park the slip:) Well done friend! Lee and Phod
ReplyDeleteYes, please do return when the weather gets cooler and the midges are gone. But I'm not sure I would like to walk there if there are ticks!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting, who knew! But yes go back again when the midges have gone. You do explore the most wonderful places!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful walk....the moss in the video is amazing!!!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Rosy & Sunny