FORESTRY and Land Scotland (FLS) has said it has exceeded its targets for restoring native forests in the west Highlands.

The restoration work, being done at a number of west coast sites, including Balmacara, Slattadale and Achnashellach, involves planting native trees and plant species, removing invasive rhododendron bushes, and culling deer.

FLS said it had exceeded its in-house rainforest restoration target for 2023/24 by 141 per cent.  

Colin Edwards, FLS’s environment manager, said: “This habitat is home to a rich biodiversity, including a unique selection of oceanic bryophytes and lichens.  

“Protecting this environment involves rhododendron removal work and deer management, both of which have been our priorities for over a decade. However, there is still a huge area to cover and a lot of work to do, so being able to over-reach our target by a considerable margin is a real boost.  

“It’s a sign of the level of commitment of our teams around the country, and a measure of how much they care about their work, that our staff have managed to deliver this amazing result.  

“In what is a never-ending task it’s good to get a glimpse every now and then of light at the end of the tunnel.”