The Tale of Ghillie Dhu

Did you know that Scotland has a rainforest?

Scotland’s Rainforest is a ‘temperate rainforest’ and is a rare world habitat, even rarer than tropical rainforests! It stretches along Scotland’s west coast. Temperate rainforests are mainly wet and mild as they tend to be costal forests, with oceanic climates. The high rainfall stable temperatures makes them very humid.

The humid environment in the rainforest makes it the perfect habitat for lichens, mosses, fungi and ferns. They help to maintain the humidity in the forest and give it a mysterious, magical feel. A sprite named Ghillie Dhu, is said to be the guardian of the forest in Scottish folklore. He lives in and protects the forest, so who better to guide you through it!

In this story, written for nursery and primary school children, Ghillie Dhu will guide you through the rainforest and introduce you to the other miniature residents – lichens, mosses, fungi and ferns. These plants also form Ghillie Dhu’s wardrobe. In the accompanying learning pack you will be tasked with finding items of his wardrobe and learning a song all the forest.

For more information on Scotland’s Rainforest head to www.savingscotlandsrainforest.org.uk/