A substantial new funding round from renewable energy giant Drax Group is set to invigorate conservation, education, and community-led initiatives in Argyll’s temperate rainforest. Through the Drax Foundation, the company is significantly expanding its support for the Argyll & the Isles & Countryside Trust (ACT), reinforcing its dedication to environmental stewardship, innovative education, and local community empowerment.
Since 2023, the Drax Foundation has contributed over £125,000 to ACT, with the most recent funding injection of £25,341 earmarked to enhance ongoing environmental projects and facilitate the appointment of a dedicated co-ordinator at ACT’s innovative Rainforest Hub in Lochgilphead, near Drax’s Cruachan pumped hydro storage facility. This strategic role aims to elevate the hub’s impact on both environmental restoration and educational excellence.
Established in 2023 with pivotal funding from the Drax Foundation and other key supporters, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Argyll and Bute Council, NatureScot, and Scottish Forestry, the Rainforest Hub serves as a thriving centre for rainforest conservation and education. Central to its success is a newly established native tree nursery, funded by Drax, designed to support reforestation efforts and provide hands-on educational experiences.
Complementing the tree nursery, ACT’s ‘Rainforest Squad’ initiative now delivers bespoke training courses focused on outdoor learning, bringing STEM subjects vividly to life in nature. Previously funded STEM initiatives by the Drax Foundation have already reached nearly 300 local school pupils across 49 impactful sessions. ACT is now recognised as an accredited Young STEM Leaders Delivery Centre, placing it among Scotland’s elite organisations in educational innovation.
This year’s outdoor STEM programme, already in progress, offers immersive learning experiences at the tree nursery, enabling schoolchildren to apply scientific and technological principles directly within the dynamic environment of the rainforest. Launched initially as a pilot, the scheme demonstrated profound benefits, providing young learners with stimulating, inclusive, and highly creative educational opportunities.
Julie Young, CEO of ACT, described the development of the Rainforest Squad and the nursery as transformational, ensuring healthy, locally sourced trees for vital reforestation projects while significantly enriching the educational landscape for local youth and community volunteers. The initiative underscores practical environmental stewardship, instilling a deep appreciation and understanding of rainforest ecosystems.
Argyll’s rainforest, often referred to as the Celtic Rainforest, represents an irreplaceable ecosystem renowned for its ancient trees, varied wildlife habitats, and dramatic geological features. Yet, it faces severe threats from invasive species and climate change impacts. By strategically investing in ACT’s programmes, Drax actively contributes to safeguarding this globally important habitat.
Shona King, Drax’s group head of community, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fostering positive environmental and educational outcomes. She highlighted the unique opportunities provided to young learners, emphasising that Drax’s ongoing support is instrumental in shaping sustainable futures and preserving Argyll’s biodiversity for generations to come.
Drax Group plc (LON:DRX), trading as Drax, is a power generation business. The principal downstream enterprises are based in the UK and include Drax Power Limited, which runs the biomass fuelled Drax power station, near Selby in North Yorkshire.
