Ardura Community Forest

Ardura Community Forest, known in Gaelic as Doir a’ Chuilinn or ‘holly grove,’ is a vital ancient oakwood and a precious part of Scotland’s Atlantic rainforest on the Isle of Mull. Historically significant for generations of island families who utilized it for subsistence farming, timber, and firewood, the forest is now under the dedicated stewardship of the Mull and Iona Community Trust. An urgent and long-term restoration effort is underway to protect and regenerate this globally rare habitat.

The forest management actively addresses damage from past commercial tree planting, harvesting, and overgrazing by wild deer. The overarching vision, spanning more than two decades, is to enhance Ardura’s rich biodiversity, ensuring its resilience to climate change. This includes crucial conservation work for globally rare species of fungi, plants, and lichens, alongside efforts to support vulnerable bird and animal populations such as marsh fritillary butterflies, pine martens, eagles, and otters.

Beyond its ecological importance, Ardura Community Forest serves as a crucial social and recreational hub for the remote island community. It provides a peaceful space for gentle recreation, experiencing nature, and finding solace, while also acting as a vital gathering place for islanders to meet, socialize, and for children and families to play and learn. This multifunctional approach helps to reduce loneliness, boost wellbeing, and protect deep cultural connections to the land and ancestors.