Nominee Summary
ACT are a SCIO established in 2014. We work in partnership with communities, public agencies, third sector and private organisations to design and implement projects that make a difference to people and landscapes. Our objectives are: To care for and enhance our unique natural environment. To give people opportunities to experience, learn in and be inspired by nature. To encourage investment in Argyll’s natural capital to support our economy. To increase opportunities for employment, skills development and volunteering in our environment. We work strategically across Argyll, and bring enthusiasm, expertise, character and a hands-on approach to all that we do.
Overcoming Challenges
Over half of Scotland's rainforest is located within Argyll and Bute which presents us with a fabulous opportunity to lead the way in rainforest restoration. However with that opportunity are a number of very significant challenges. 1. Funding - grant funds are highly competitive, and the majority of those available are short term, which doesn't fit easily with habitat restoration. We utilsie grant funds when we can, but have diversified our potential funding sources through working with corporates (national and international), partners from different sectors (the arts, and skills and training bodies). We are also working with partners to establish a financial model to facilitate private investment in rainforest restoration. 2. Fragmentation - much of Argyll's rainforest is fragmentated so we have the challenge of linking rainforest clusters in order to create biodiversity corridors to promote regeneration. 4. Invasive non-native species - thrive in Argyll, particularly Rhododendron ponticum which has a devastating impact upon rainforest and takes a concerted effort over multiple years to effectively eradicate. 5. Deer numbers - red, roe and sika deer exist in high numbers across Argyll. We are working with agencies, businesses, communities and deer management groups to find sustainable solutions which will support the local economy including community deer larders. 6. Skills capacity - there are not enough skilled workers trained to undertake rainforest restoration. We have established a Rainforest Squad to increase capacity in the sector and raise awareness of rainforest career opportunities.
Supporting the community
ACT does not own any land so all that we do is in partnership with site communities. This can often mean that our project development takes time, however once projects move to delivery we know that there is community buy-in which will leave a legacy of informed and invested landowners and communities once the funded period of our projects are concluded. To secure grant funds for a rainforest restoration across multiple landholdings we have worked with landowners to reassure and provide confidence that ACT will share the responsibility of ongoing maintenance and follow up works required on site beyond grant funded periods. This shared responsibility and community back up has proved integral to our success with securing over £2.6M for rainforest expansion and restoration since 2021. We have engaged with communities of interest and of place to focus on rainforest, this was particularly evident in our Rainforest Communities project when we led a 3-week programme in September 2024 with partners to offer guided rainforest walks, biofluorescence rainforest walks, forest bathing, fireside gatherings, green woodworking and immersive musical experiences with a Woodland Orchestra and primary school children. Link to the Rainforest communities film. https://youtu.be/K1hcIkFz5oU Detail on our website https://www.act-now.org.uk/News/celebrating-argylls-rainforest-communities-through-film-and-music ACT's our outdoor nursery for 3-5 year olds introduces our youngest community members to playing and learning in woodland, and our STEM outdoors project recently saw 16 primary 6 pupils graduate from the Junior Foresters Award programme as Forest Ambassadors. ACT has produced the Argyll Rainforest Strategy and facilitates the Rainforest Forum.
Ethical/environmental standards
ACT is the lead partner in a FIRNS funded project on behalf of the Alliance for Scotland's Rainforest. The Project Standards and Integrity Charter which we produced with partners clearly outlines why rainforest is so important regionally, nationally and internationally. The Project Standards lays out a set of ecological, environmental and social project standards and indicators, and requires commitment to communities and landowners as integral to project delivery and legacy. The Integrity Charter is targeted at investors and purchases of ecosystem services and will ensure that potential finance and corporate partners are aligned with the just transition to net zero, that they will demonstrate support for conservation and protection of the natural environment, and adopt best practices in the management and reporting of the social and environmental impacts. ACTs work covers three main themes - habitat restoration, climate change activities, and outdoor learning, health and wellbeing. We deliver these themes via 16 separate projects which are developed as opportunities, funding and permissions allow. We believe in building on the interdependencies between these three themes and recognizing them in the delivery of all that we do. We employ 34 people and are very proud of our high level of employee retention. We are a fair work first employer. As a registered charity have transparent and audited accounts and financial processes. We are supported by a Board of 8 community members and have over 20 advisors representing many of the businesses, agencies and community groups in Argyll.
