Dr Ruth Swetnam and the lesser-known twin, the temperate rainforest.

Just when you think you know something about trees, you learn even more! Such an interesting episode with Dr Ruth Swetnam, Carbon & Research Manager for the Atlantic Rainforests Programme at the Wildlife Trusts. Ruth is a Chartered Geographer and Landscape Specialist with particular expertise in digital mapping (GIS), Environmental Science and Landscape Ecology.

Ruth tells us about temperate rainforests in the UK and her very important work in restoring these rainforests. Temperate rainforests in the UK are unique ecosystems that provide cooling effects, mitigate climate change, and reduce forest fire risk. They are more resilient to diseases and storms compared to conifer plantations. Temperate rainforests are full of deciduous trees, with their slower growth and deeper roots, are essential for carbon storage and forest regeneration.

We found this podcast fascinating and can't believe how important furry ferns actually are! If you would like to learn more about the work of the Wildlife Trust, here are the links.

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/temperate-rainforest-restoration#:~:text=The%20100-year%20temperate%20rainforest,even%2C%20than%20its%20tropical%20counterpart.

You can also find a summary of the work being carried out on temperate rainforests in the UK here.

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/sites/default/files/2024-08/Temperate%20Rainforest%20Programme%20Annual%20Report%202023-24.pdf

If you would like to chat to Ruth, please contact her through the Wildlife Trusts website.

We really hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast, and leave loving the weather just a little bit more.

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