Reviving the Atlantic Rainforest in Moidart
28th April - 5th May, 2024 Glenuig, Moidart
We will be engaging with the community in Glenuig, Moidart on the west coast of Scotland to revive the Atlantic Rainforest. A tiny remnant of the ancient oak woodland still stands here. However this fragile ecosystem is endangered by two threats: overgrazing by deer and invasive non-native rhododendrons. To catalyse the return of the Atlantic Rainforest, and to embody a rewilding project, Trees for Hope is engaging with the community to assist in their efforts to create the conditions for a vibrant ecosystem to exist. In our weeks, our work is concentrated on removing rhododendrons and planting trees. As well as external rewilding activities, each participant will have opportunities to harmonise with nature. A greater sense of interconnection with nature and community may be realised when we engage to help nature and ourselves recover from damages of the past, and turn towards our sense of wholeness. We intend our weeks of Engagement to be efficient, fun, and fulfilling. We hope our weeks will spark new connections and encourage growth. By engaging with nature, communities, and people from other parts of the world, we are creating decisive opportunities for transformation, connection, and healing.
What can you expect from this week?
Experiential, direct connection with nature.
Immersion in rewilding skills and crafts.
Joining a work-force to help the recovery of the Atlantic Rainforest.
Meeting and connecting with other people who care as much about nature, and are getting engaged, from the community in Moidart and elsewhere.
Lodging, Food, and Transport
The lodging for this week is at Samalaman House in Glenuig, which is a recently renovated beautiful, stately family home. We've been gifted the use of the house for the week in exchange for the restoration work we will be carrying out for the rainforest in the area. We will share the cooking and home-care for the week as a group. As our community forms and take shape, we will self-organise around our shared space and living chores. We will provide most of the ingredients needed to cook nourishing meals. Our preference is on the side of vegan / vegetarian food. We will not provide chocolate and wine. There is a local store in Glenuig where you can buy these items. You need to arrive in Glenuig (map above) on Sunday afternoon, the 28th of April. The nearest train station is Lochailort. Sharing lifts may be possible. Our programme will complete on Sunday 5th May before lunch.
Price
We have three tiers you can choose from to pay for the week, depending on your financial position. 1- £50 / night, covering cost of lodging and food (£350) 2- £70 / night, paying for both facilitators (£490) 3- £90 / night, helping our programme as a whole (£630) 4- any extra contribution supports participants with low budget We recommend you book for the 7 nights. Please pay in advance via bank transfer. Our bank account: Trees for Hope, Rewilding the Fertile Crescent Account : 20673701 Sort Code : 16 58 10
Information about the week
We will be a mix of local and guest participants on the programme, joining to create a unique shared experience. Focalisers:Pupak Haghighi, Rob Pedley Guest participants are the people coming from outside of Moidart. ---- * This will be a week of external engagement with nature and direct action, as well as internal reflection and stillness. We will be building deer exclosure fences, planting native trees, and removing rhododendron, an invasive species. Please come mentally and physically prepared. Appropriate clothing for physical work outdoors is essential. ———-- Things to bring :
Thermos flask for a hot drink
lunch box
rain-gear, including: rain coat, rain pants, gaiters, waterproof boots
at least two pairs of trousers, two sets of tops, and thick socks
gardening gloves, if you have them
midge net
Optional : swim suit and diving boots for going to the sea during your leisure time
